Newcastle United have made their opening move for AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori, but the English club's initial €15 million proposal has fallen well short of the Italian side's valuation. The Magpies are targeting the former Chelsea centre-back as they look to strengthen their backline under manager Eddie Howe following a disappointing campaign.
Newcastle's defensive struggles last season were evident throughout their Premier League tenure. The club finished 12th while conceding 55 goals, a concerning total that highlighted vulnerabilities at the back. Their weaknesses were brutally exposed in European competition when they crashed out of the Champions League round of 16 with an 8-3 aggregate defeat to Barcelona, signalling the urgent need for reinforcement.
The Valuation Gap
Milan's hierarchy has rejected Newcastle's opening gambit, maintaining a firm asking price of €20 million including add-ons for their defensive cornerstone. The five-million-euro gap between the two positions, while significant in isolation, may prove negotiable as the transfer window progresses. According to reports from Italian sources, the Rossoneri view this initial bid as substantially below their economic expectations and Tomori's true market value.
The England international remains contracted to the San Siro club until 2027, giving Milan considerable leverage in negotiations. Tomori's credentials in Italian football are undeniable. Since arriving on loan in January 2021 and converting that move permanent, he has become a pillar of their defence, featuring 214 times across all competitions. His trophy collection includes the 2021-22 Serie A title, the 2024-25 Supercoppa Italiana, and a crucial role in reaching the 2022-23 Champions League semi-finals—the club's deepest European run since 2006-07.
Experience and Track Record
Tomori brings proven Premier League experience to Newcastle's pursuit. The 27-year-old spent five years at Chelsea from 2016 to 2021, including loan spells at Brighton, Hull City, and Derby County that sharpened his development. He made 27 appearances for the Blues and featured in their 2019-20 FA Cup final run. Last season alone, he appeared 37 times for Milan across all competitions while providing three assists, demonstrating his attacking contributions from defence.
Newcastle will likely need to increase their offer if they wish to secure one of Europe's most accomplished young defenders. The modest gap between bid and asking price suggests a deal remains achievable should the Magpies demonstrate genuine financial commitment during the summer window.
