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AC Milan confirm permanent signing of Fikayo Tomori

AC Milan have confirmed they have exercised their option to make Fikayo Tomori's loan deal permanent, signing the defender from Chelsea on a four-year deal.

The 23-year-old joined the Serie A giants on loan in January, having struggled for opportunities at Stamford Bridge after breaking through during the 2019/20 season.

He has since impressed at San Siro, helping Stefano Pioli's side qualify for the Champions League, and has now put pen to paper on a four-year deal.

Their statement reads: "AC Milan is delighted to announce the exercising of the option for the permanent transfer of Oluwafikayomi Oluwadamilola Tomori from Chelsea.

"The English defender, who made 22 appearances and scored one goal over the last season, will continue to play with the club until 30 June 2025."

Chelsea also released a statement, adding: "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."

Tomori made 15 Premier League appearances during the 2019/20 season under the management of Frank Lampard as part of the young group of players tasked with getting Chelsea through their transfer ban.

He scored an emphatic goal away at Wolverhampton Wanderers but competition for places in defence was tough and he made only one league appearance for the Blues in the first half of this past season.

Following Lampard's departure, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta, Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen all racked up the appearances in central defence under new boss Thomas Tuchel.

Tomori became the first Englishman to score for Milan since David Beckham in 2009 when he netted against Juventus in May | Chris Ricco/Getty Images

Chelsea's loss is Milan's gain, however, and Tomori will be playing Champions League football next season for the Rossoneri as they qualified for the competition for the first time in seven years by finishing second in a nervy end to the Serie A season.

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Source : 90min