Tammy Abraham Joins Besiktas: Former Chelsea Striker Set for New Chapter Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Roma Accept €20m Offer as Ex-England Forward Leaves Italy After Milan Spell

Tammy Abraham is officially on the move again—and this time, it’s Istanbul calling. After months of speculation and a solid campaign in Serie A, the former Chelsea and Roma striker is set to continue his journey in the Turkish Super Lig, having agreed terms with Besiktas. The Turkish giants have reportedly struck a €20 million deal with Roma, and Abraham will now link up with former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has quietly been reshaping the Black Eagles into genuine title contenders.

This move represents a fresh start for the 27-year-old Englishman, who has bounced back impressively after enduring both highs and lows in Italian football. Now, Abraham appears ready to take on a new challenge in a league known for its passionate fans, chaotic derbies, and historic clubs.

From Chelsea to Rome, and a Milan Detour

Tammy Abraham is officially on the move again

Abraham’s career has never been short of twists. After emerging from Chelsea’s academy and showing promise during loan spells at Bristol City, Swansea, and Aston Villa, he made a real mark in the 2019-20 season under Frank Lampard, scoring 15 Premier League goals. However, following Chelsea’s return to the transfer market in 2021 and the arrival of Romelu Lukaku, opportunities dried up.

That prompted a move to AS Roma, where Abraham quickly endeared himself to fans with a memorable debut campaign that saw him score 27 goals in all competitions. He was a central figure in Roma’s UEFA Conference League triumph and played with the kind of freedom that made many question why Chelsea let him leave.

But after a knee injury hampered his progress in 2023, Abraham was loaned to AC Milan for the 2024-25 season. There, he gradually regained form, notching 10 goals and adding seven assists across 44 appearances. Perhaps more importantly, he scored a pivotal goal in the Supercoppa Italiana final against Inter, helping Milan lift silverware in a thrilling 3-2 victory.

Roma Cash In, Besiktas Capitalise

Abraham

While Abraham proved his value in Italy, it was clear Roma needed to balance the books. The club accepted a €20 million bid from Besiktas—just slightly less than what they had paid Chelsea three years earlier. A similar offer from Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg was rejected by the player, reportedly due to concerns about the club’s current climate and ambitions.

In contrast, the Besiktas project appears both ambitious and appealing. The Black Eagles are gearing up for a title challenge, and under Solskjaer, they’ve been playing an increasingly attack-minded style of football. The move will also see Abraham earn an estimated €6 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league.

Solskjaer Rebuilds in Istanbul

The arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer midway through last season sent ripples through Turkish football. Once dismissed as a caretaker-style coach after his time at Manchester United, Solskjaer has found a new rhythm at Besiktas. After guiding the team to a fourth-place finish and securing European football, the Norwegian has been given the backing to reshape the squad in his image.

Bringing in a player like Tammy Abraham—tall, mobile, and technically sharp—fits perfectly with Solskjaer’s blueprint. Abraham’s ability to play both as a traditional No.9 and as a roaming forward who links play will offer flexibility in Solskjaer’s tactical setup. For Besiktas, this is a statement signing, one that signals their intent to close the gap on Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.

A New Chapter, a Familiar Goal: Proving Himself Again

Abraham has always had something to prove. Whether it was earning respect at Chelsea, justifying his move to Roma, or showing resilience during injury setbacks, the London-born striker has never shied away from pressure.

Now, he walks into a new environment with high expectations. Turkish football is a different beast. The derbies are intense, the spotlight is unforgiving, and the fans demand excellence. But Abraham seems ready for the spotlight—and the pressure. He’ll likely be the main man in Solskjaer’s system and could benefit from regular starts, something that wasn’t guaranteed at Milan or even Roma in recent months.

And while Besiktas may not have the global profile of his former clubs, their fanbase is among the most passionate in Europe. A good run of form in Istanbul, paired with European nights under the lights, could put Abraham right back in the international conversation—especially as England head into a period of transition post-Euro 2024.

What’s Next for Abraham?

Now that the deal is all but finalised, Abraham is expected to link up with Besiktas during their pre-season training camp. His focus will be on hitting the ground running, building chemistry with his new teammates, and getting back to the kind of form that once made him one of Europe’s most talked-about young forwards.

With UEFA Conference League or Europa League football on the horizon, there will be ample opportunity for Abraham to test himself against a mix of domestic and continental opponents. Solskjaer is expected to hand him a central role, potentially partnering him with rising Turkish talents or using him as a lone striker in a fluid 4-2-3-1 setup.

It will also be interesting to see how the Turkish press and public respond to the move. Abraham will arrive with pedigree, but in Turkey, past achievements matter less than what you deliver on the pitch each week.

Final Thoughts: A Gamble Worth Taking?

At 27, Abraham still has several peak years ahead of him. While some may view the move to Besiktas as a step down from Serie A or the Premier League, it could be the perfect platform for a fresh start. He’ll be coached by a manager with top-level experience, earn a healthy salary, and get the chance to become a hero in one of Europe’s most passionate footballing cities.

If he hits the ground running, don’t be surprised to see Tammy Abraham lighting up the Super Lig, leading Besiktas into Europe, and—who knows—maybe even forcing his way back into the England national team discussion.