Liverpool have “held talks” with AC Milan over the signing of centre-back Fikayo Tomori this summer, according to an exciting claim from James Wathland.
The Reds look light at the heart of their defence heading into next season, especially after Joe Gomez’s injury woes returned in the 4-2 win over Sunderland on Saturday.
There is too much reliance on 35-year-old Virgil van Dijk staying fit, while youngsters Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni remain raw, despite being good options.
According to journalist and insider Wathland on X, Tomori has emerged as a target for Liverpool in the summer transfer window, with talks held with Milan over the transfer:
“Liverpool have held talks with AC Milan over Fikayo Tomori. Liverpool have made adding a centre-back a priority as they step up their search.”
Can Fikayo Tomori strengthen Liverpool’s defence?
Tomori would be a shrewd signing by Liverpool, with the Englishman arguably becoming underrated because he doesn’t play in the Premier League.
Now 28, he is at a sweet spot in his career, in terms of being experienced but also young enough to have four or five good years left in him, and Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on him in the past:
“One of the things that stand out immediately is his tenacity and pace. He is remarkably quick, but the way he comes out and closes down people and spaces is tremendous to see. He would have learnt. He is a student of the game, he is intelligent, he will keep on growing.”
Tomori could come in as ideal competition for Jacquet and Leoni, pushing to start most weeks but not being a guaranteed regular, and he would provide Liverpool with the depth that they crave, having won six caps for England.
Not signing a centre-back would be negligent by the Reds at this point, given Gomez’s fitness record, and there is no reason why they couldn’t bring in Tomori or a player of his ilk, not costing a huge amount but providing quality.
In Jacquet and Leoni, Liverpool have two outstanding prospects, but expecting too much straight away is unfair, especially as the latter is returning from a serious knee injury later this year.
Henry is an experienced football writer with a huge passion and knowledge of Liverpool.
He is also a main contributor for This Is Anfield, one of the world's biggest Reds-related sites, where he writes features and news, and covers matchday content.
Henry has written articles for the Times and the Guardian, too, as well as featured on the radio on BBC Radio 5 Live and LBC. He has accumulated over 30,000 followers on Twitter/X.