AC Milan have instructed defender Fikayo Tomori to find a new club this summer after the centre-back was omitted from manager Ruben Amorim’s plans. The 28-year-old’s contract at San Siro expires at the end of the season, forcing the Serie A side to sell now rather than risk losing the former England international as a free agent.
Tomori joined Milan permanently in 2021 for €35.3 million following an initial loan spell from Chelsea. During his time in Italy, the defender established himself as a regular starter and earned international recognition. However, he has reportedly resisted previous transfer opportunities, notably blocking a move to Tottenham Hotspur in an earlier window despite the club’s willingness to sell.
Championship side lead Premier League interest
While Newcastle United have emerged as a potential destination, sources indicate that Coventry City are currently the most determined club pursuing the defender. The Championship outfit’s interest is strengthened by the presence of manager Frank Lampard, who previously worked with Tomori during their time together at Stamford Bridge.
Former Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness suggested Lampard is driving the pursuit. “I think just something tells me that Lampard might be trying really hard behind the scenes to get this one done,” Wyness told Football Insider’s podcast. He added that Coventry “will need something to try and strengthen in some way, and they need some talismen as well.”
Wyness assessed that Tomori “is a reasonable player. I don’t think he’s a world-beater, but he’s certainly up there. I think he could do that job for them at Coventry.” The Midlands club are seeking defensive reinforcements as they aim to build a promotion challenge.
Contract urgency complicates negotiations
Milan’s determination to sell stems from Tomori’s contract situation. Having invested significantly to secure his services permanently three years ago, the Rossoneri are keen to recoup value rather than lose the defender for nothing. His previous reluctance to leave has complicated their position, but the arrival of new coach Amorim appears to have settled the matter.
Should Newcastle fail to formalise their interest with a concrete offer, observers expect the defender to join Lampard at the Coventry Building Society Arena. A move to the Championship would represent a significant change of trajectory for a player who once commanded a substantial transfer fee to one of Europe’s elite leagues.
Any transfer would mark the end of a turbulent spell in Italy for Tomori, who initially impressed during his loan move from Chelsea in January 2021 but has since fallen out of favour under the new regime.