Speaking to the Bristol Post, the Bristol City chief operating officer Mark Ashton has revealed that the club almost missed out on signing Tammy Abraham on loan from Chelsea. The England Under-19 international has been a big success at Ashton Gate already, netting five goals in seven appearances.
Ashton revealed that the deal in principle was agreed earlier this summer. However Italy boss Antonio Conte then came into Stamford Bridge and was impressed by the 18-year-old striker. So much so he took the player on their pre-season tour of the United States. After speaking with the player, it was concluded he would move to the Robins on loan.
Ashton revealed the process which led to Abraham coming to the club, starting with how the wheels on the deal began to turn,
“We then brought Tammy and his family in, gave them a tour of Bristol and of the training ground and showed him where he would be living.
“But Chelsea had to delay, because Antonio Conte was coming in. Once he was in, he made it very clear that he liked Tammy Abraham.
Abraham netted his first goal for the club in the August EFL Cup tie away to League Two side Wycombe Wanderers, netting the only goal of the tie. Highlights of that game, including Abraham’s goal, can be seen in the video below.
