Newcastle United are reportedly considering a surprising move for AC Milan center-back Fikayo Tomori, according to recent reports. With Lloyd Kelly set to join on a free transfer from Bournemouth after his contract expires this month, Newcastle’s defense remains depleted due to long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles.
Paul Dummett’s impending departure on June 30 further underscores the need for defensive reinforcements. The potential acquisition of Tomori is viewed as a significant addition, potentially pairing him long-term with Botman.
Tomori, an England international who left Chelsea in 2021 for a successful stint at Milan, has since been a regular in the Champions League and won the Serie A title two years ago. The 26-year-old was part of the Milan squad that knocked Newcastle out of Europe at St James’ Park last season. Football Insider now reports that Newcastle are contemplating a bid for the defender, with sources indicating that around £45 million could be sufficient to tempt Milan.
This development comes a year after Sandro Tonali’s arrival, which had a detrimental impact on Newcastle’s season due to his subsequent 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations. Tomori has previously praised Newcastle as a “very strong team” and spoke about his relationship with Tonali ahead of their Champions League encounter last season, stating, “Newcastle are a very strong team, with strength up front and physicality at the back.”
“We know what to expect from them and need to demonstrate our quality both with and without the ball,” Tomori added. “It will be nice to see him (Sandro Tonali) again so soon after he left, but we are professionals. Once the game starts, friendships go out the window. We want to win. After the game, we can go back to being friends, but during the game, we are not friends.”
