There are still plenty more twists and turns to come in the summer transfer window and one of them looks destined to involve Fikayo Tomori. The AC Milan defender is seemingly on his way out of the Italian club, leaving the likes of Newcastle United on red alert.
In amongst their scramble for midfield stars, it’s worth pointing out that the Magpies could still do with an additional central defender. As things stand, Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman are the only options below the age of 30. To say that’s not ideal would be an understatement.
The opportunity to sign Tomori is one that the Tyneside club simply have to take, especially when considering Botman’s injury record on top of Newcastle’s ageing backline.
|
25/26 league stats |
Fikayo Tomori |
Sven Botman |
Malick Thiaw |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,563 |
1,838 |
2,964 |
|
Tackles |
65 |
22 |
44 |
|
Duel success |
53.8% |
65.8% |
64.5% |
|
Recoveries |
74 |
88 |
118 |
|
Pass success |
90.2% |
87.1% |
89.6% |
The numbers make for interesting reading. Whilst Tomori doesn’t have the same success when recovering possession as Newcastle’s current options, he is a better passer and more aggressive when stepping forward to tackle.
On paper, Thiaw’s duel success combined with Tomori’s passing range would make for an excellent partnership. Whether Newcastle make that partnership a reality remains to be seen, however.
It’s also worth noting that the addition of Tomori wouldn’t be a major gamble. This is a Scudetto winner with a place in Milan history, who has already had Premier League experience. If the ex-Chelsea man is available, then Newcastle should jump at the chance to secure his signature.
Fikayo Tomori waiting for Newcastle call
As reported by Calciomercato and relayed by Sport Witness, Tomori is now waiting for a call from Newcastle as he looks for an exit route out of AC Milan. Those at St James’ Park have already launched their approach and could now kick on with their move.
The England international has travelled to the UK with the rest of his teammates to face Celtic as part of Milan’s pre-season tour, but is seemingly hoping to stay put and return to the Premier League.
Although it’s a major boost for Newcastle, they are not the only side interested. Newly-promoted sides Coventry City and Hull City are also eyeing the central defender, with Frank Lampard looking to reunite with Tomori at the former.
There’s a lot for the 28-year-old to think about. Whether that ends with a move to Newcastle this summer remains the big question.
It wouldn’t be a Newcastle transfer update without mentioning their search for a midfielder. Whilst they’ve done well to welcome Aladji Bamba from AS Monaco, the Magpies are still on the hunt to sign Botafogo’s Danilo.
The former Nottingham Forest man has impressed back in Brazil and has a release clause worth just €20m (£17m) for sides outside his home country. That’s a key boost for those on Tyneside, who could have a replacement for Bruno Guimaraes in their sights.
