Fikayo Tomori had a stellar 2018-19 campaign for Derby County as they made their way to the playoff finals only to lose to Aston Villa. Tomori was on loan from Chelsea, and he won the club’s player of the year. The England u-21 international was the mainstay at the back for Derby last season as he made 55 appearances for them in all competitions.
The bad news for Derby faithful
There was no doubt that the Rams would have wanted him again this season but latest reports from the Evening Standard is going to be a bummer for the club faithful.
The report mentions that Chelsea have no interest in sending the 21-year-old to Derby or any other Championship clubs as they want the defender to be tested at a higher level. So far clubs from Premier League, Bundesliga and Portugal’s top flight have shown an interest to bring him on loan.
There was also talks about Chelsea keeping Tomori at Stamford Bridge more so because of their transfer embargo. However, the club has decided to keep hold of Kurt Zouma instead this season. Therefore the Blues will have David Luiz, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Zouma as centre back options. Tomori is unlikely to get many games. As a result, the club is willing to send him on loan once again.
What will Derby have to do to sign him again and why he was impressive for the Rams?
The only way Derby can get their man is by tabling a sizeable offer in excess of £20m to sign him permanently. With that kind of money in play, the Rams are unlikely to get their man.
Derby are beginning a new journey under Phillip Cocu, and the Dutch manager will need to find new centre back options. The club currently only have Richard Keogh and Curtis Davies as outright centre-halves.
Tomori impressed with his impressive overall qualities as he was calm and composed on the ball and defended astutely as well. What made him really stand out was his impressive pace, and that made it harder for the attackers to go past him. We usually find that the forwards are often quicker than defenders but not with Tomori in defence.
At 21, he is yet to hit his peak, and he is only going to improve from here onwards. There is no doubt that he will be missed big time by the Rams this season. Premier League clubs like Burnley are currently showing an interest in him, and it is only right for Chelsea to want him to perform at the toughest of levels.
