Chelsea’s long search for a Didier Drogba replacement looked to have been solved countless times. Fernando Torres didn’t cut it, Alvaro Morata looked the real deal before an injury stunted him and he never recovered, then Diego Costa came closest before a falling out with Antonio Conte. Through all of those names, all of the superstars who have been brought in to replace Drogba, there has been one name consistently linked to the job: Tammy Abraham.
A starlet of the Blues’ youth team on its annual run to the FA Youth Cup, Abraham played alongside other Chelsea regulars Mason Mount and Reece James, as well as Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, just to name a few. Abraham has consistently been one of the best English strikers in his age group. He’s scored goals in every league he has played in and excelled for every Three Lions side before he broke into the senior team. Abraham is also—despite not featuring for Chelsea since February 20—still the club’s top goal scorer. Since being hooked at halftime on the aforementioned date, Abraham has only been included in Thomas Tuchel’s squad once, as an unused substitute in the 4-1 win over Crystal Palace.
Further complicating matters for Abraham is Tuchel opting to play Kai Havertz as a false nine in recent games. Havertz was exceptional against Crystal Palace, but has been non-existent in the games since. For whatever reason, Tuchel wants nothing to do with Abraham. It appears as if, barring some mass of injuries to Timo Werner, Olivier Giroud and/or Kai Havertz, Abraham isn’t getting anywhere near the pitch.
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It’s perplexing, to say the least, especially when the Blues are crying out for goals. Still, neither Tammy Abraham nor super-sub Olivier Giroud can get any minutes at the moment. Timo Werner isn’t scoring at the rate anyone expected—or wanted—but he brings more to the overall play of the team with his speed and movement. Abraham is not all that different, with good speed, solid hold-up play and movement. Even more so, Abraham is a very clinical, albeit a tad inconsistent, finisher. An oxymoron, sure, but place Abraham in Havertz’s shoes when the ball fell to him inside the box against Brighton and the Englishman would have done better than firing straight at the keeper.
If a lack of goals from all of the other strikers cannot get Abraham into the team, it’s not beyond the pale to suspect he must be looking outside of Chelsea to get some much needed playing time. Under Frank Lampard and playing regularly, Abraham was arguably the second choice striker behind Harry Kane in the national set-up. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s return to form, plus Patrick Bamford and Ollie Watkins right on the brink, has seen Abraham fall off the map. It’s hardly something the 23-year-old wants in the lead up to the Euros. The Euros might be a bridge too far this season due to his lack of playing time in recent games, but a move away is exactly what Abraham will be forced to look for in order to secure his place for Qatar 2022.
If Abraham does move away he won’t have to look far. There are a number of Premier League clubs who are in need of a young, talented No. 9.
The Camberwell native could move across town to rivals West Ham. The Hammers are experiencing a resurgence that belies their talent, but adding Abraham as a strong, fast focal point would give David Moyes more tactical flexibility. With Jesse Lingard likely to return to Man United, at least initially, Abraham will be a younger, faster foil.
Another option—and one where he would seamlessly fit in—is at Leicester City. Jamie Vardy has led the line for the Foxes incredibly well, but he is already 34 and will be halfway to 35 when the next season starts. Abraham is a natural heir to Vardy, he can get beyond the lines like his compatriot, and he will work fantastically with James Maddison (think of his interplay with Mason Mount). He would also feast off of deliveries from Harvey Barnes and Youri Tielemans. Leicester has the added bonus of Brendan Rogers who has proven to be able to coax even more talent out of young players.
Chelsea fans should be upset with Abraham potentially leaving, but what choice has he been given? There seems to be no route back in to Tuchel’s line-up even when the current options aren’t scoring. Scan Twitter and most Chelsea supporters are massive fans of Abraham; how could you not be? He is likeable, works hard and has been the consummate professional. Teammates Mount, James and Hudson-Odoi are obviously fond of the striker, but at a certain point, the long-time Blue might have to move elsewhere to save his career.
Chelsea can only send along Abraham with their best wishes, and a buyback clause, because this one will undoubtedly come back to haunt the club. It’s a sorry sight to see, but right now, it’s what’s best for Abraham. With the current state the club is in, when it comes to being selfish, it don’t have much of a leg to stand on.