The first January arrival was that of former Juve forward Mario Mandzukic. The Croat was one of the best forwards in Italy during his time in Turin and arrives ready to try and push Milan over the line. The latest signing, though, is the most intriguing: the arrival of Fikayo Tomori from Chelsea FC. The London outfit has sanctioned the move for an academy talent who has fallen out of favour in his second year at Chelsea.
Just 23 years of age, though, he can easily play both full-back and centre-back and offers versatility, talent, and pace to a rather one-paced Milan defence. The exit of former prospect Andrea Conti has opened up the chance for Tomori to come to Milan and have the chance to win a title in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
Is Tomori the right option for title-chasing Milan?
Without a doubt, Tomori is a player who arrives with a potential risk and reward scenario. Seen as a young central defender who has quality on the ball and natural athleticism, he lacks experience. Likely to be paired with other younger players like Alessio Romagnoli and Davide Calabria, there is nothing to say that Milan have the experience needed at the back. Simon Kjaer has done well on his Milan return, but still has moments where his defending can be of concern.
The main thing for Tomori, though, is the lack of gametime. He will be arriving in a side that tips top of the league yet with next to no margin for error. This means that Tomori will be expected to play from the start, but will be expected to play well – this means little time to adjust to a new league, language, and culture. With little room for error, might he find himself back on the bench if he cannot make a convincing start in Italy?
However, with the likelihood of a buy clause entered in the deal, Milan clearly see Tomori as more than a six-month stop gap. Seen as a player with the style that would suit the modern Milan, it is expected that the club will push hard to bring him in permanently should he perform even close to expectation.
With so much on the line for both player and club, though, the hope is that they can both achieve great things together and ensure a mutual benefit to the loan.
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