The Blues defender has only appeared in four games in the last 11 months but San Siro has the talent and character to succeed.
Fikayo Tomori’s loan move from Chelsea to AC Milan has raised some eyebrows, notably with a £ 26 million ($ 36.5m) option to buy included in the deal.
In fact, it ‘s a special move just because Tomori was the first Englishman to join the Rossoneri since David Beckham made the move to San Siro in 2009.
However, with more interest is the fact that Milan has captured a player with Frank Lampard watched for nearly a year.
After a poor away performance at Bournemouth last season, Tomori was effectively reduced by the Blues boss, playing just four games in 11 months and not making a single start in the Premier League. in that time.
Maybe it looked weird from the outside looking in. Tomori was the Derby County player of the year at the end of the Lampard season who dominated at Pride Park, before becoming a regular starter in the first half of the 2019-20 season.
However, when Thiago Silva arrived last summer under control of the defense, Tomori was effectively left to compete with Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma for the same midfield position. was left.
The fear was, even then, that he would struggle for game time this season and other clubs were aware of that, Milan among them. Along with Rennes, West Ham and Newcastle, the Rossoneri tried to sign Tomori last summer.
It is therefore not surprising that they have revived international interest in England who have seen just 45 minutes of Premier League activity in 2020-21. Technical director Paolo Maldini believes Tomori is still well-suited for Milan.
“If we followed him and tried to take him a few months ago, in the summer, it means we have seen the right qualities in living with our defenders. , ” told the famous background Sky Italia Sports.
Tomori had been reluctant to accept a loan move at the start of the season because, at the time, Rudiger as the defender was expected to leave, just in case a number of German moves fell.
Tomori also had a late chance to join West Ham on loan but did not want to be pressured to move at the tail end of the transfer window.
However, Milan’s interest was also influenced by Milan’s interest. It was always hoped that the Rossoneri would return to the conciliation board, and they are now.
Tomori ‘s decision to spend his time is justified, as he now has a chance that not many English defenders will ever get: a challenge for a Serie A title. It’ s an opportunity to be like part of a remarkable renaissance.
Milan are one of the fallen giants in the game, having gone from Europa League opponents to a club struggling to even qualify for the Europa League.
From a financial standpoint, they are still suffering the effects of years of mismanagement, but their reconstruction project is now far ahead of schedule due to a series of false signs made by the Maldini club legend.
Of course, a team inspired by Zlatan Ibrahimovic is currently in charge of the Serie A position, two clear points from Inter, and 10 ahead of Juventus – both sides with much bigger budgets.
The Milan squad is full of players like Tomori, talented people who lost their way.
Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot has been named as the next big thing to come out of Portugal before moving to Old Trafford but is now hoping to start his career at San Siro.
Ismael Bennacer did not get a game for Arsenal but has established himself as a key player for Milan, following a successful spell at Empoli.
Brahim Diaz had great respect for both Manchester City and Real Madrid but is finally getting a chance to show what he can consistently do at the highest level.
At the same time, Theo Hernandez was considered a surplus of requirements by Real Madrid’s Zinedine Zidane but right now he is seen as one of the most exciting fullbacks on the planet.
They are all part of one of the youngest squads in the league but are brilliantly led not only by the legendary Ibrahimovic but also Stefano Pioli, a humble, honorable coach who is willing to give youngsters a chance.
The only problem Tomori may have at San Siro is the release of both Alessio Romagnoli and Simon Kjaer from the defense, as their pair have formed a strong midfield partnership since the arrival of the last of them in January.
However, Milan’s financial weakness means they don’t have enough strength at the back. Strong grit and determination are gained through many games in the first half of the season but, as Saturday night ‘s loss at home to Atalanta confirms, they need more quality in reserve, which is why their move for Tomori makes perfect sense.
He should see plenty of playtime as well. The buy option encourages Milan to use Tomori because they know they can sign him at the end of the season.
The fee set by Chelsea is high but within reach for Milan, who are at least looking back to make a lucrative return to the Champions League at the end of the season.
Tomori has six months to convince Milan of his worth. It will not be easy. It’s a new team, a new league, a new country and a new language. However, Tomori will enjoy both the challenge and the experience.
While other football players spend much of their time on TikTok or playing Fortnite, Tomori chooses to train himself, and is currently studying business leadership at the Open University.
It is worth noting that he also had an offer from Newcastle. He could live in England. Many of his contemporaries would certainly have made that choice.
Tomori, however, has made the move more difficult. Fortunately, he has the talent and character to succeed.
And, unlike Beckham, he may even finish with the Serie A winners medal at the end of his loan spell at San Siro.