According to the latest reports from the Daily Record, Derby County are keen on signing Chelsea’s defensive ace Fikayo Tomori permanently in the summer. However, the move could depend on whether they beat Aston Villa in the playoff finals at Wembley. The report also mentions that Scottish giants Celtic have taken an interest in him and they are also looking to pull off a deal for the centre back.
It should come as no surprise that quite a few things are riding on the one game at the Wembley. A playoff victory comes with an impressive financial windfall and Derby can use that to sign players and improve their roster for the Premier League campaign. Tomori is contracted to stay at Chelsea until 2021. The defender has managed to make just one appearance for the Blues, and he has had loan spells at Hull City and Brighton and Hove Albion before.
However, he came into his element at Derby County this season and Lampard has trusted him in almost all the games this season as Tomori made 54 appearances in all competitions. With Lampard at the helm at Pride Park, the Rams faithful would hope that their manager can get a deal for the defender from his former team.
It remains to be seen how much Chelsea would value this England u-21 international. If the Rams move up to the Premier League, then they should be able to afford the defender. Celtic though could be fierce opposition as they are also desperately in need of a centre back. The Hoops can offer Tomori a chance to play in European competition, and that is something which could work in their way.
What makes Tomori special?
Derby County’s transfer plans must be on hold right now as it is yet not clear in which division they might play in next season. However, there should be no doubt that they will look to sign Tomori again after the season he has had for the Rams. The defender is physically strong and has got decent pace to burn for a defender.
However, it’s his reading of the situation and sniffing out dangers before they can develop that makes him stand out. Young defenders are often prone to errors and bad decisions, but Tomori has shown that he has got a mature head on his shoulder. It is no surprise that various teams are on the lookout for his signature.
After the impressive loan spell, Tomori too might want to settle in at Pride Park, and that is something which can go Derby County’s way.
