Fulham's deadline-day pursuit of defender Fikayo Tomori ended in failure after talks with AC Milan and the player collapsed. The Cottagers, who sit 16th in the Premier League with 0 points from two games, were unable to secure the 28-year-old English centre-back as a defensive reinforcement.
Tomori was in London recently with his agents to discuss personal terms over a potential switch to Craven Cottage. However, the deal broke down following a phone call between the parties, with no agreement reached on either the transfer fee or the player's contract. Tomori is now back at Milanello and is set to be reinstated into the Rossoneri's first-team squad.
The move disintegrated on two fronts. Firstly, Fulham and Milan could not find common ground on a transfer fee for the defender, who is in the final year of his contract. Secondly, personal terms with the Chelsea academy graduate were not agreed. Milan's Portuguese coach, Ruben Amorim, had made it clear to Tomori throughout pre-season that he could leave, but with the window closed and no replacement centre-back signed, the manager is now happy to welcome him back. Tomori himself is keen to fight for his place at San Siro, having turned down moves away in the past, including a high-profile approach from rivals Juventus.
The failed transfer leaves Marco Silva's defensive options unchanged as they prepare for their next fixture, a home match against Crystal Palace on September 5th. Fulham have conceded four goals in their opening two league matches. With Tom Cairney and Luc De Fougerolles currently sidelined, the squad depth is being tested early. The club's search for defensive solidity continues, with the team six points behind early leaders Manchester City.
Tomori is expected to take back his number 23 shirt at Milan and compete for a starting role under Amorim. His contract, worth €4.49 million per year, expires next summer, meaning he will be a free agent at age 29. This situation had attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest, before Fulham entered the fray. A report in La Gazzetta dello Sport had initially flagged his London trip. For Tomori, staying in Italy offers a chance to resuscitate his reputation ahead of a potential free transfer.
The team's current form and league position are detailed on our standings page. Tomori will now aim to prove his worth in Milan, starting with his reintegration into the squad this week.
