Aston Villa's January transfer activity has sparked a major debate among supporters, with the club linked with a sensational return for former striker Tammy Abraham just as they sanction the departure of Donyell Malen.
The Potential Return of a Villa Park Hero
Tammy Abraham is reportedly a target for Unai Emery as he seeks to bolster his squad's title credentials. The striker, now 28, is fondly remembered for his crucial role in firing Villa back into the Premier League during the 2018/19 season. He is currently on a season-long loan at Turkish Süper Lig side Beşiktaş from Serie A club AS Roma.
Any deal is complicated by his loan status. Beşiktaş manager Sergen Yalçın has indicated that his club would need to secure a suitable replacement before allowing Abraham to cut his spell short. Emery views the powerful forward as a useful alternative to Ollie Watkins, offering a different profile with his aerial threat and physical presence in the penalty area.
Malen's Exit Paves the Way
In a move that appears connected, Villa have agreed to let Donyell Malen join Roma. The deal is an initial loan with an obligation to make the transfer permanent, netting Villa a combined total of £27 million in fees. This represents a tidy profit on the £21 million they paid for the Dutch forward just a year ago.
Malen's departure has raised eyebrows among some fans, given his contribution this season. Despite limited minutes compared to teammates, he has managed to score seven goals—only one fewer than Morgan Rogers and the same as leading striker Ollie Watkins.
Fan Reaction: A Clear Split in Opinion
The prospect of swapping Malen for Abraham has divided the Villa faithful in the Birmingham Live comments section. A significant contingent questions the wisdom of the move, preferring to retain the services of the departing winger.
One reader, Spookyboy, stated plainly: "Many of you will shoot me down for this, but I would rather keep Malen than Abraham." Another, Jimmysmallez, echoed the sentiment, suggesting they would rather lose other squad players to keep Malen, who they felt had integrated well into the team.
However, an equally vocal group is excited by Abraham's potential return. They point to his proven Premier League pedigree, his goal-scoring record—which matches Watkins's seven goals and one assist this season—and the tactical option his height and strength provide.
Fan '1957villain' argued: "If Tammy Abraham signs for Aston Villa, he will score a lot of goals and important ones, too, he is definitely a better all-round player than Malen." Others, like Chineseburn, acknowledged the sadness of Malen's departure but expressed confidence in Emery's judgement, welcoming a return for the "high quality and proven" Abraham.
With the January transfer window in full swing, the coming days will reveal whether Emery can navigate the complexities of the deal to bring Abraham back to Birmingham. The ultimate verdict on whether swapping the profiles of Malen and Abraham strengthens Villa's push for silverware will be decided on the pitch.
