Fikayo Tomori is likely to return to the Premier League as AC Milan seek to overhaul their defense, according to reports in the Italian press. The club intends to sign at least two new center-backs this transfer window, with Gonçalo Inácio of Sporting Lisbon currently identified as their primary target.
Milan’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed last season, prompting a strategic shift towards a more attacking style under coach Paulo Fonseca. This change in approach necessitates a stronger backline capable of withstanding counter-attacks, leading to the decision to refresh the defensive options. Tomori, who joined Milan in 2021, is expected to be the first departure, with his contract expiring in the summer of 2027 and no immediate plans for an extension.
Tomori was a key figure during Milan’s Serie A title-winning campaign in 2022 and briefly regained his place in the England national team. However, his form dipped last season, and the club are now prepared to cash in on the 26-year-old rather than risk losing him for free. Sky Sports reports that several Premier League clubs are monitoring the situation.
Inácio, 24, has 259 appearances and 24 goals for Sporting Lisbon, and shares the same agency as Fonseca, potentially easing negotiations. While his release clause is set at €60 million, Milan are hoping to secure him for a fee in the range of €35-40 million. The Portuguese international has yet to feature in the ongoing European Championship, remaining an unused substitute in all three of Portugal’s group stage matches. Milan are also considering other options, including Benfica’s Antonio Silva and Lecce’s Tiago Gabriel, as well as Virgil van Dijk, though the latter’s high wages and lack of Champions League football may prove to be obstacles. The club demonstrated a similar approach with their signing of Gonçalo Ramos, operating quickly and discreetly. Milan are prepared to invest significantly in a central defender, allocating a similar budget to the position as they did for their recent forward acquisition.
These defensive reinforcements are seen as crucial to implementing Fonseca’s tactical vision and ensuring Milan can compete at the highest level.
