Everton is facing a fresh challenge to sign Fikayo Tomori from Chelsea.
Everton exhibited a considerable interest in Chelsea centre back Fikayo Tomori and were said to be close to agreeing to a loan deal. According to the Sky Sports, Carlo Ancelotti was hoping to sign Tomori on loan to bolster the central defence.
The need for a centre back has increased, now more than ever, after Mason Holgate injured his toe against Preston North End during a pre-season friendly which will now see him spend 8-12 weeks on the treatment table. This leaves Everton with just two senior centre backs, Yerry Mina and Michael Keane. Jarrad Branthwaite is still in the infant stages of his senior career and is developing day by day.
In such circumstance, a loan move makes sense. Everton missed out on signing Gabriel Magalheas and Thiago Silva with the Brazilian duo going to Arsenal and Chelsea respectively. With an expenditure of £65 million so far, the Toffees will now have to prefer loan deals as still a few areas remain to be strengthened. So far, no departures have taken place at Goodison Park even though rumours have been flying all across the Premier League.
Bearing in mind the financial side of things, loan deals could be a smarter option. Signing Fikayo Tomori on loan would be a fruitful move for the Royal Blues considering the 22 year old would instantly add depth to the central defence.
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However, there has been a stumbling block in the bid to sign Tomori on loan. According to TEAMTalk, Fikayo Tomori is hesitant to move away and feels he is capable of fighting for a spot in Frank Lampard’s team. Initially, there were whispers that Chelsea will include Tomori in the deal of Stade Rennais keeper Edouard Mendy with Rennes also admirers of defender’s talent.
Fikayo Tomori made 22 appearances across all competitions under Lampard last season. There is no doubt that about the 22 year old’s capabilities. Chelsea themselves believe in the Englishman’s skills and that is why they prefer to loan him rather than sell him. It is a sign of a true and brave footballer when he says that he wants to fight for his place but this is not a feasible option for the Chelsea centre back as of now.
However, seeing the current Chelsea roster, Tomori could be staring at a massive game time reduction. The best decision will be to move out on loan, preferably come to Everton, and learn from one of the most established and proven coaches in the world.
The signing of Fikayo Tomori on loan from Chelsea can be viewed as Kurt Zouma 2.0. The Frenchman had a pretty decent loan spell in 2018-19 season with the Toffees. Tomori should be persuaded to join Everton on loan as this will be a win-win situation for every party involved.