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Aston Villa News and Views News Tammy and Dougie return as we look ahead to RB Salzburg.

Tammy and Dougie return as we look ahead to RB Salzburg.

27 January 202627 January 2026| Alfie RickettsAlfie Ricketts| 174 Comments| 5:38 PM
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Well, isn’t astonishing how we can go from having one of the lesser injury crises in the Premier League, to then having a completely wiped out midfield in the space of around two weeks – granted you’ll all probably say, “not really”.

Football fans have a strong tendency to overreact, but it is fair to say that a call for reinforcements in the middle of the park is not an overreaction, and, as per, journalists have taken advantage of this and transfer rumours have done the rounds in the last few days.

It appears that Tammy Abraham will be first through the door in a return that seems to be anticipated by the fans, as I think a lot have effectively given up on Watkins now, despite his goal in Tyneside. It’s interesting, because I actually thought he led the line quite well, but I have received a lot of criticsm for adopting that opinion, mostly on X. As confirmed by top journalists, including Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa have agreed upon a fee of around £18 million for the English striker. To be honest, it is one of them where you cannot really put your finger on it until you see him in Watkins position, but, given that he was instrumental in our promotion to the Premier League scoring over 20 goals, I am willing to give him the time he needs to re-adjust to the Premier League stage, and I am hoping that he provides reasonable competition for Watkins.

The other one, one that a lot of people called as soon as our injury crisis landed, is the return of Douglas Luiz. I actually think this is really smart business – at a point of the season where we are looking to avoid losing sight of Man City and Arsenal, I don’t think we have time to allow a player in our current most depleted part of the pitch to adjust, and, given that Dougie has played in an Unai Emery system before, with pretty much the same group of players, he should be okay to fit straight into the midfield, travelling under an hour from Nottingham to Birmingham. This deal also includes an option to buy, which I think is another bout of decent business from our recruiment team, it’s the best possible scenario in a loan deal.

Overall, I think we’ve done all we can, with the Premier League and UEFA constantly on our backs – not that I can be bothered to discuss that. We have filled some gaps that needed to be filled and provided reasonable contention with a striker who will always be remembered at this football club.

As for Thursday’s game, I’m debating whether to even purchase my ticket, but with the demand for away tickets I am thinking they may use Europa Home Games as part of the required criteria, so I may just purchase it to ensure my eligiblity to travel around the continent for the knockout stages, although, I am hoping we draw Forest in order to secure a cheap away day whilst adding a Europa game to my reference, ready for, hopefully, Champions League next season. I was hoping that Abraham would be available for selection, but it’s looking more a more unlikely – I wonder what is preventing him from being announced? I think we will rotate, but I do think this should be a sound victory, and I am going to go 2-0, and hopefully that will mean we have the home draw second in the Round of 16.

 

UTV.

174 thought on “Tammy and Dougie return as we look ahead to RB Salzburg.”

  1. Unfortunately some content in this post is now innaccurate as Tammy has just been announced, sorry guys.

  2. Good to have tammy he was brilliant at attacking the ball last time round and thought he was very brave and held the ball up well since then has gone on to have a good career Welcome Tammy

  3. I’ve seen it reported (I think Sky sports) that we’re actually still in the market for a 2nd CM. I could see the rumour for Loftus-Cheek still having legs and wouldn’t be opposed. I’d actually rather have seen him that Conor Gallagher. It may feel like a step back in time with Dougie, Tammy and Bailey back, but given the injuries and PSR issues we have, I think a break away from Villa may have done them all good and might return with renewed impetus and a desire to kick on with a different environment than before – notably sitting with momentum at our feet.

    1. Sorry, bit late with that news.

      I’ve certainly not ‘given up’ on Watkins – fickle fans; give the guy a break and I also thought he led the line well on Sunday.

      Abraham can’t play in Europa League until knockout stages (neither can Luiz). I believe we’ve been allowed to replace Kamara and, if that’s true, we can up to three additional player in List A for the knock out stages.

      My guess would be Bailey, Abraham and Luiz.

      Question mark over whether we can add Allyson to List B – no idea on that one.

      1. Getting knocked out by an English team. The dynamic completely changes when it’s a domestic rival. A bang average European team from a bog standard European league will do very nicely at this stage, I think.

  7. Watkins did lead the line well Alfie. It’s just that his finishing is atrocious and has been all season.

    The big concern for me is that, yes Abraham was great for us. In the Championship, which is a different game.

    I’ve never been a fan of players returning, as it very often doesn’t work. But hopefully he’s improved and can offer more.
    Another concern is why are Besiktas so keen to let him go? I know they’ve made a fat profit, but if he looked that sharp…..

    I think the main positive is that we can rest Watkins. And boy, does he need it in my opinion. He does everything right except put the ball in the net. I’d probably tell him to have a couple of weeks off and just turn up for games, as he looks like he could do with a bit of a mental reset, to me. His frustration is palpable at times and I think he’s feeling the pressure.
    Will that happen though? I doubt it.

    Following on in my concerned vein, Hitch has said that in the latest book, Emery suggested that Luiz lost interest last time he was here, hence he was happy to let him go.
    Hopefully that was all about his mind prioritising his girlfriend, who moved to Juve’s women, with him.
    Has he truly got over their split?
    Hopefully so.
    Don’t get me wrong, I hope both turn out to be roaring successes and Unai is the man for making players perform.
    I just have my doubts and find it hard to be turning sumersaults over these deals.

    I know. I’m a miserable old get 🙂

    1. I’m sure there are a few plump beauties on Broad Street to keep Dougie’s mind off his ex! 😉
      I think this reunion of sorts, mixed in with how bloody well we’re doing may pay dividends. I wouldn’t be surprised at another couple of faces coming in this window…

          1. OMG! TMI!
            You’re a bit, er kinky, aren’t you?

            Agree about Broad St though. Show a £50 and Robert’s your relative, it seems to me.

    2. Badger – interesting that your naturally ‘cautious’ approach has recently moved positive in regard to results but remains firmly less sympathetic in other areas.

      On the other hand I tend to be very negative on results but, perhaps, over positive in other areas. Interesting dynamic.

      Overall, I think Emery and his team have been pretty good in transfer dealings within a very challenging financial regime – but then I may be overly positive 😀

      Only time will tell.

      1. My motto generally in life, is “never go back”.
        But I have known it work with one contractor and we had an association for years, on and off, tbf. That’s all though. It’s rare, imo.

        When it comes to footy, I’m nearly always pessimistic.
        It’s the Villa. Enough said.

        Make the most of my optimism! 🙂

        Anyway, I consider myself to be more a pragmatist. I follow facts and trends. Same as my investing, but that’s a different story.

  8. Absolutely gutted that Tielemans is out for a couple of months. Congratulations Paulinha and Miley for shocking tackles where the one on Tielemans didn’t even warrant a foul. There’s a definite feeling that our club is being targeted because we have the audacity to challenge the Sky favourites.
    On a positive note, getting Abraham and Dougie back is sensible business. Watkins needs someone who can can take the workload off him and possibly even play alongside him.
    Dougie was great for us but hasn’t kicked on since leaving. If he can stay injury free which has been a big issue since leaving, and he knuckles down in training, maybe he can get into the Brazil squad for the World Cup. That surely would be a huge incentive.
    As for Thursday, I don’t care about the result. Play as many kids / fringe players as possible and focus on Sunday. Home advantage didn’t help against PSG. We blew that in the first leg.
    Having Barkley back too will help. Can he get back to the form he had early on in the season. I remember a purple patch he had when pundits were waxing lyrical about his performance and even mentioned England. He’s definitely got the ability if he can get his head right.
    One thing is certain and that is Emery will get a tune out of whoever is on the pitch.. I didn’t hear that comment from arsehole Carragher saying we were the annoying so and so who won’t go away. But that should definitely be pasted onto the changing room wall for extra motivation.

    1. Holte – I found the quote again on Sky but am unable to post a link.

      He definitely said it exactly as I posted.

      Arrogant so and so.

  9. Well, Buendia returning has worked out better that any of us expected and so I have high hopes for Luiz. There is no other player out there who could slot into Unai’s system as quickly as him. He knows the ropes and what’s expected of him so he should be able to hit the ground running.
    Tammy looked really happy to be back and having a second striker might be the difference between winning something and not. Glad to have him back.
    With a good chunk of our midfield out I also think that Bogarde will be important for us. He’s really coming on and I’m sure that he’ll be one of our mainstays before long.
    On the whole, really happy with the window so far.

  10. Tammy and Luiz, the joy they are showing being back at Villa, at the perfect age and in their prime, this is fantastic! It’s really going to boost the dressing room after the dismal injury news of late.
    If we can pull one more name in…Can we get Diaby back too???? Can’t wait for the next two games!!!

    1. Asensio for me Bum Bum but both are in the highly unlikely to ‘you’re having a laugh’ categories 🫣

  12. Garcia back on injury list for 3 weeks!? Tielemans out for 10 weeks? There should be retroactive action for that stamp on him.

  13. Well, have to say this post has been a good read so far. I’ve gone back into my career and enjoyed the experience. Needless to say, they asked me to return so it’s not too say it won’t work out If in Luis had personal reasons and it’s resolved, so be it. I like him anyway. Harry Wilkins, it’s a yes from me watch him every time he’s playing, the lad scores some good goals it’s what we need. Again good post Alfie.

  14. Kamara out for season; McGinn, Tielemans until April.

    I fear the worst!

    Emery really will be a genius if he can produce a midfield without those three key players.

    Always seems to happen to Villa!

    1. If you assume Luiz is Tielemans’ replacement, we made a midfield and won at St James, Hitch.
      But yes, The Belgian is a massive miss.
      Another quickfire injury in the middle and we’re in real trouble.
      Which all makes me wonder if we’re looking at at least one loan?

      We’re not unique though. I’ve just heard Pool only have one fit CB to call on tonight.

  15. And Spuds have 9 out, who would apparently make the first 11!

    Not that we care, but……

    1. F*** Spuds. They did for Kamara. No sympathy from me.
      Lots of metatarsal injuries for the English teams in the CL later?? 🤣🤣🤣

    2. True Badger but losing Kamara and Tielemans is a cruel blow – think of what the media made of Arsenal losing Gabriel and Saliba – and that wasn’t for an extended period.

      Bet they don’t even notice our injuries 😡😂

  16. Clarification on the Ozcan to Beskitas – it’s a loan with an obligation to buy so the total fee for Abraham is c. £18m. That makes a lot more sense as it was implied that Ozcan was going as part of the deal.

    Moving on it’s being reported we’re interested in Dutchman Danilho Doekhi (27) a (highly rated) CB with Union Berlin in the Bundesliga. It’s reporting he will be leaving UB as his contract is up in the summer. Villa looking to strike a cut price deal now.

    It makes sense in allowing Emery flexibility with how he plays Torres and Lindelof covering right back and a defensive mid field position as well as looking to bringer a younger CB.

    Might not be anything in it but I wouldn’t be surprised to see one more in before the end of the window.

    1. Ah, I much prefer that deal Re Ozcan.

      I don’t see another CB, unless it’s dirt cheap, personally.

      1. Think it will be pretty cheap or we’ll leave it given ge can move for nowt in the summer.

        It appears he’s also Bogarde’s cousin. 😁

  17. Could do with Chelsea, BarCodes and Citeh dropping out of the top 8 tonight. Those additional games they’d face would definitely hurt their schedules.
    Oscar Bobb gone to Fulham for £27m. A bit of a bargain (in football terms) possibly…
    Yep, Badger. Earlier post was a Fat Slags reference!!!! 😁

  19. Villa are the most fouled team in the EPL with the least protection from referees, no penalties and at least three players against them that should have been sent off.

    Villa have suffered 308 fouls against them; Chelsea being next at 266!

    There is indisputable evidence that Villa, and particularly our key players, are being targeted and kicked off the pitch. Miley’s horrendous tackle on Tielemans didn’t even warrant a free kick with that idiot Referee telling Tielemans to get up and play on.

    Call it the fickle hand of fate – I call it a group of thugs kicking our players

    1. The amount of times Rogers is upended and the twat referee waves play on is ridiculous.

      If the evidence is clear, why don’t the club make some noise? An official complaint is warranted. Why not make one, and make it public? That will put the officials in the spotlight and hopefully make them think again before treating Villa differently.

  20. 5 out of the top 8 in the Champions League are English team. Is that healthy for the competition? A shite team like Spurs with injuries win to automatically qualify!! Real Madrid ‘attitude’ FC lose with 2 sent off and Bellend is probably sulking! What a shame!

    1. I think it’s more to do with the firebrand style of football we play. There are thousands of incredible players throughout Europe. Possibly the EPL is more competitive because of this never say die style. It’s more common in England that bottom 3 team beats a top 3 team. That doesn’t happen often in other countries. Spuds are just spawny. And dirty cheats.

        1. Yep. And Newcastle stole the place we earned! Good away draw for them at PSG… PSG seem to have gone off the boil somewhat…

    2. It’s gud in a way though as surely that makes absolutely sure of us getting 5 teams in the CL next season..the way it’s going with all our injuries at villa, we might end up finishing 5th so it’s an extra bit of insurance for us 🤔🤔😆😆

  21. Report surfacing that Real Madrid have sounded out Emery and he’s the front runner should they decide to change managers in the summer.

    If true that’s a very worrying development as I’m not sure what would happen should he decide to go. If they make an offer I think he would find it difficult to say no.

    At each of his previous clubs he insisted on an ‘escape’ clause with a significant compensation sum (for the club) attached. He sees this as being fair to the club that’s employing him so I’d be massively surprised if there isn’t one in his Villa contract.

    Anyone have any views on this?

    1. I would understand the pull. HOWEVER. Xabi Alonso, a highly respected coach, wasn’t respected by the bunch of prima donas at that toxic club. They ultimately got him the sack. The reason, in essence, is they didn’t want to…work. Alonso is very similar to Unai in that he’s meticulously detailed with his video analysis, tactics, and demands on players. The players weren’t up for it. They probably think they’re too good. Now look. Unai doesn’t strike me as a manager or man who wants to be controlled or dictated to. At Real, he won’t only have the players pulling against him, but also the president, who by all accounts comes across as an absolute muppet.

      At Villa, Unai is essentially challenging for everything – without the pressure and expectation he’d have at the Bernebau, his players are on board, and his board are fully behind him. His ambitions can be satisfied at Villa. If he leaves that for the opposite, then, to quote George Bush, I’ve misunderestimated him.

      2. I’ve just said the same elsewhere. It’s a terrible club, with the President listening to the likes of Bellend over the manager.
        I just don’t see that Emery would want to go, as it stands.

        The actual story says someone has asked about his availability. No mention of who’s asked or who has been asked, as far as I can see. So I suspect it’s totally made up.

        1. No. Won’t happen. PSG, Real, Barca, Chelsea all treat their managers abysmally. Bayern is in a one club league. Emery is smashing the cartel and bettering Liverpool, ManU and Spuds and competing with Citeh and Arsenal. Italy? Nah.

          Even without my claret and blue tinted specs on, Emery, NEWS and Villa are the perfect fit. Everyone is jealous of us.

          The only time you’ll see Emery in the Bernabau dug out, is when Villa play Real.

          Guessand on his way out? If it’s true, then 100% someone else is coming in… But who????

          1. Jealousy…the reason for the story: to destabilise the Villa. As Mr Spit said, we’re an annoyance. Watch the media go into overdrive between now and the end of the season trying to destabilise Unai, Morgan and anyone else they think is interesting. Wankers.

      3. My sentiment BFR, it’s like asking him to tear down what he’s built, don’t see that happening to
        Be honest.

  22. Suggested that Guessand is going out n loan with a number of clubs interested in Europe but, it’s reported that Palace are favourites to secure the loan.

    If true (always have to say that) it does suggest that Villa want to bring in either another midfielder or ball playing defender.

    With Bailey back and Sancho on loan, Guessand has probably become ‘surplus to requirements’ at least in the short term.

    1. Bailey will soon be injured and Sancho is totally unreliable. Someone else has to come in. Loan with option to buy with the Gallgher cash…

  23. “I’ve misunderestimated him” Ah, Bush. What a clown he was.

    Alyson plays right wing as well, I think? If so, backs up what you’re saying, Hitch.
    Should more than cover Luiz’s wages too.
    Sounds like smart business to me.

    1. Clown, indeed. Some of the stuff he came out with was hilarious! My personal favourite is “people trying to put food on their family”!

    2. Really don’t think we need Mateta now – Wharton, yes but not going to happen because Palace won’t sell and we couldn’t afford him!

  25. Deal agreed for Guessand with option to buy in the summer. I didn’t realise Palace were interested in him before he signed for us. Fingers crossed!!

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