Will £34m Abraham shine in Rome?

Tammy Abraham has completed a £34 million move from Chelsea to Italian side Roma.

The England international will link up with José Mourinho in the Italian capital, and has signed a five-year contract at the Stadio Olimpico.

The overall transfer agreement also includes a number of performance-related clauses, based on the achievements of both player and club. Chelsea will also retain the right to a percentage of any future transfer fee involving the striker.

Chelsea triggered a transfer domino effect in Italy after buying Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan, the champions of Italy subsequently buying Edin Dzeko of Roma to replace the Belgian striker - and now Abraham will replace the Bosnian forward in Rome where he will wear the No. 9 shirt.

Abraham's move to Serie A could be the perfect stepping stone for the 23-year-old and potentially spells good news for the Three Lions.

In the Italian capital, under a manager with a point to prove, Abraham will have the chance to be the main man. 

In fact, Lukaku can serve as a good example to Abraham. In his two seasons at Inter, Lukaku progressed hugely - developing physically and tactically on his way to scoring 64 goals across 95 games in all competitions. 

Despite people labelling Mourinho as a defensive manager, the strikers that have played for him have invariably posted great numbers under the former Chelsea, Man Utd and Spurs manager.

From Didier Drogba to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Harry Kane, Abraham has numerous role models who have thrived under the Portuguese coach.

Dreams do come true 💙 Champions Of Europe! pic.twitter.com/VoUDHL9bFs

— Tammy Abraham (@tammyabraham) May 29, 2021

For the Blues, Abraham scored 30 goals in 82 appearances for the club at senior level, primarily over the past two seasons, and he was a bit part of the squad which triumphed in the Champions League in 2020/21.

Even prior to his time in Chelsea's senior set-up, Abraham showed he has a finisher's instinct.

During a loan spell at Championship Bristol City, in 2016/17, he netted 26 goals in 48 games in all competitions. Despite a hiccough at Swansea in 2017/18, when he failed to hit his stride in the top flight, Abraham then powered Aston Villa to promotion from the second tier in 2018/19 with 26 goals in 40 games. 

Abraham must now contend with a different culture and a new language. However, there are personnel - aside from Mourinho - who can help the forward settle in: the likes of English defender Chris Smalling, former Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patrício and ex-Chelsea winger Pedro Rodriguez all having spent considerable time in England.  

The stage is set for Abraham to finally make his name as a top-level marksman - should he make an impact in Serie A and regularly score goals, there is little doubt that a return to the England fold awaits. 

"It's massive to be the No. 9 at this club. I just cannot wait to get started."
@tammyabraham is ready to go! 🔥

📺 More ➡️ https://t.co/PmRIprWU6c pic.twitter.com/nUOFE9lGrz

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) August 17, 2021