Chelsea stand firm as Fikayo Tomori completes AC Milan transfer
Fikayo Tomori has completed a permanent move from Chelsea to AC Milan after a successful loan spell in Italy.
The 23-year-old joined the Serie A club in January after struggling for first-team opportunities during the first half of last season.
Milan had the option to buy Tomori for a £25million fee at the conclusion of his loan. And that has been exercised after he played 22 times and helped them qualify for the Champions League.
A four-year deal has been agreed at San Siro for the defender, who has made one appearance for England. Tomori did miss out on the squad for this summer’s European Championships.
“AC Milan are pleased to announce that they have exercised the option for the permanent transfer of Oluqfikayomi Oluwadamilola Tomori from Chelsea FC,” the Rossoneri wrote in a statement.
“The English defender, who played 22 games and scored one goal in the season that has just eneded, will continue to wear the Rossoneri shirt until June 30, 2025.”
Tomori progressed through the Chelsea academy and made his debut for the Blues at the end of the 2015-16 season, but spent much of the next few years on loan with spells at Brighton, Hull and Derby.
It was at the latter where the centre-back linked up with Frank Lampard. And Lampard handed the youngster more opportunities in the Premier League once he had taken over at Stamford Bridge.
Ready to pick up where we left off, @fikayotomori_ ? 💪
Dove eravamo rimasti? ❤️🖤#NewPlayerUnlocked #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/UbjpIpbfEx— AC Milan (@acmilan) June 17, 2021
An England call-up followed and Tomori earned his solitary cap in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Kosovo in November, 2019.
Chances proved to be few and far between after the coronavirus pandemic and one of Lampard’s final acts as Chelsea manager was to allow the defender – who made 27 appearances for the Blues – to join AC Milan on loan for the second half of last season, which has now been turned into a permanent move.
Chelsea provided a lengthy tribute to the player on their official website, which concluded: “Chelsea is grateful to Fikayo for his contributions at the club, from youth level to men’s first-team squad, and wishes him the very best in his future career.”
Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…
Rudiger denies biting Pogba
Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger has denied biting Paul Pogba during France’s 1-0 Euro 2020 win over Germany.
The Germany defender appeared to make contact with his mouth on France midfielder Pogba’s back in Tuesday’s Group F opener.
Manchester United man Pogba initially reacted in shock, but later insisted Rudiger should face no punishment.
Rudiger has now moved to clarify the situation, insisting he did not bite Pogba. And the Chelsea defender is understood to harbour regrets over the incident.
“I should not come close with my mouth to his back, no doubt about it,” Rudiger said.
“It looks unfortunate. Paul and I have talked about it as friends after the final whistle.”
READ MORE: Haaland reveals he wants to emulate Tuchel’s Chelsea in significant hint