Newcastle United are reportedly showing strong interest in signing Fikayo Tomori, the talented AC Milan defender, as they prepare for the upcoming January transfer window. According to CalcioMercato, the Magpies are one of several clubs tracking the 26-year-old English centre-back, who has found himself in an uncertain situation at the San Siro. Along with Newcastle, Tomori’s potential suitors reportedly include top-tier Serie A club Juventus, as well as Premier League rivals Aston Villa and West Ham United, who are all keen to add the player to their ranks. With the 2024 January window approaching, Newcastle United is believed to be carefully monitoring Tomori’s situation at Milan, as they evaluate whether to make a move for him.
This season, Tomori has seen limited playing time, featuring in just eight league appearances for Milan, including six starts. His role in the team has diminished further in recent weeks, with the defender making only a brief 11-minute appearance in the club’s last six Serie A matches. This lack of consistent game time has raised questions about his future at the club, especially as Milan seems to have made no secret of their willingness to part ways with him. According to reports, there is a growing feeling that Tomori could leave Milan in 2025, with sources suggesting that the Rossoneri tried to sell him during the summer transfer window, but failed to find a buyer at their asking price.
During the summer, AC Milan reportedly set an asking price of around €30 million (£25 million) for Tomori, a sum that did not attract significant offers. However, as the player’s game time continues to decrease, it is speculated that Milan may be more willing to accept a lower fee for him in the upcoming year. While Juventus is closely watching his situation in Italy, it is understood that they will face stiff competition from Premier League clubs, with Newcastle United believed to be leading the race for Tomori’s signature. The Magpies’ interest in the defender is no surprise, given their ongoing efforts to bolster their defensive options.
Tomori, who has been widely regarded as one of the top defenders in Serie A since joining AC Milan from Chelsea in 2021, has become a key figure in the Italian league’s defensive ranks. However, despite his talent, the 26-year-old has struggled to maintain a consistent place in Milan’s starting lineup under coach Stefano Pioli. Tomori’s move to Milan was initially seen as a major step forward in his career, but with his current lack of game time and Milan’s willingness to let him go, the defender’s future at the club appears increasingly uncertain.
Newcastle United, on the other hand, has been keen to strengthen their defense for some time now. The Magpies were in the market for a new centre-back ahead of the current season but were unable to secure a deal for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, whose £60 million valuation proved to be too steep for Newcastle’s budget. Although they did manage to strengthen other areas of the team during the summer transfer window, the lack of a new centre-back is an issue that has been hovering over the team’s head. With Sven Botman, who had been a key figure in Newcastle’s defense, sidelined for much of the early part of the season due to injury, the need for added depth in the centre-back position became even more urgent.
Now, with Botman nearing a return to the first team, it remains to be seen whether Newcastle will prioritize a new defender in January. While Botman’s return to full fitness will certainly bolster their defensive options, Tomori’s availability may present a unique opportunity for Eddie Howe’s side to further strengthen their backline. If Newcastle does decide to move for the English defender, it would represent a major signing for the club, particularly given Tomori’s experience at the highest level in both Serie A and international football.
In addition to their interest in Tomori, recent reports have suggested that Newcastle United may be looking to target a right-sided winger in the January window as well. The club is said to be particularly interested in Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, a player who has impressed in the Premier League since joining the Bees. This interest in Mbeumo is thought to be linked to the uncertain future of Miguel Almiron, who could leave Newcastle in 2025. Almiron’s potential departure has led to speculation that Mbeumo could be the ideal replacement, given his ability to play across the front line and his dynamic attacking style. If the Magpies do secure Mbeumo’s signature, it would further bolster their attacking depth as they look to continue their push for European football.
While the focus in the January transfer window may initially be on bolstering the defense, it is clear that Newcastle United is looking to improve in several areas of the squad. Whether they will ultimately sign Fikayo Tomori or pursue other targets remains to be seen, but their pursuit of the AC Milan defender is a clear indication of the club’s ambition to strengthen their squad and continue building under Eddie Howe’s guidance. With competition for Tomori’s signature set to intensify, particularly from Juventus and other Premier League clubs, it will be interesting to see whether the Magpies can secure the deal in what promises to be an exciting winter transfer window. As the clock ticks down to January, Newcastle fans will be eagerly awaiting further developments in the club’s pursuit of one of Serie A’s finest defenders.