Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United ready to splash the cash for AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham despite Chelsea buy-back clause
According to Corriere della Sera (h/t Express), Manchester United are ready to go big in the summer to secure the services of AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham, despite the forward having a buy-back clause from former club Chelsea in his contract.
Despite playing in Italy for less than a full season, Abraham has been impressive for Roma as he has turned into their go-to man for goals this term. The player has led the line effectively for the Stadio Olimpico side, proving he has what it takes to become a top striker.
United are on the hunt for a goalscorer in the summer given their terrible showing in front of goal this season, and in Abraham, they have identified a player who has proven that he can play up front as a target man as well as boasts of Premier League experience, coming through the ranks at Chelsea.
The Stamford Bridge outfit has a buy-back clause worth around £67m inserted into the deal for the sale of Abraham to Roma last year. Abraham, along with Olivier Giroud, were deemed dispensable by Thomas Tuchel’s side last summer as they brought in Romelu Lukaku.
Return to England?
To make sure of signing the ex-Blues star, the Red Devils are said to be ready to pay a transfer fee of £76m for the Englishman in the summer. However, they may face competition from city rivals Manchester City, who are also keen on signing the 24-year-old as they are willing to match United’s offer.
However, the Cityzens’ move for the England international is heavily dependent on their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland. The Norwegian is said to be their priority, with Pep Guardiola’s side switching their focus to alternative targets like Abraham only if they fail in securing Haaland’s services ahead of the new season.
Evidently, there is a lot of Premier League interest for Abraham, only after a few months since he moved to Serie A to be the leading man for a big team. After starring for Frank Lampard at Chelsea, he was relegated to the bench by current boss Thomas Tuchel, who eventually let the striker depart his boyhood club last summer.
It seems to have been the wrong move to make, with the Blues’ attacking department struggling to score goals and looking out of form in recent times- especially new signing Lukaku. The Belgian was brought in to lead the line for them once Abraham sealed a move to Roma, but he has not been able to make his mark during his second spell in west London.
United, meanwhile, have their own troubles in attack next term as Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani may not last too long in Manchester in the near future. While the former is currently tied down at Old Trafford until the end of next season, the latter is expected to leave the club when his contract expires this summer.
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With both players in their late 30s, a younger and reliable goalscorer is a necessity in the summer to replace the pair, and the Red Devils seem to have earmarked Abraham as the one to take up that task. If the club seems ready to splash the cash on the player, clearly they think highly of the striker. Only time will tell if they actually make a serious bid for the England international and if City throw a spanner into the works.
Abraham is a presence to consider for defenders in the box and has an eye for goal as well. At 24, he has a lot of time left in his playing career and is arguably yet to enter his prime years as a striker. We can certainly do worse than the Englishman, but we must ensure that the deal makes sense financially for the club.
