Transfer gossip: Sunderland linked with ex-Chelsea star as AC Milan’s £40m duo attract double-deal interest
Sunderland have been named among several Premier League clubs exploring a potential January move as AC Milan weigh up departures
Sunderland have reportedly had contact over AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori ahead of a potential January return to the Premier League.
TEAMtalk claims the Black Cats are among several English clubs exploring a move for the former Chelsea centre-back, with his teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek also attracting interest.
Both players’ contracts expire in June 2027, meaning January would offer Milan a final opportunity to secure transfer fees before their current agreements end. The Italian club are reportedly open to discussing departures, with both players understood to be keen on returning to England.
Sunderland face competition for Tomori
According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, Sunderland, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Fulham have all had contact regarding Tomori. Chelsea are also reportedly considering bringing their academy graduate back to Stamford Bridge as they assess experienced defensive additions.
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Tomori turns 29 in December and has accumulated considerable experience since leaving English football. However, the report does not suggest Sunderland have submitted a formal offer or agreed a deal. Several Premier League clubs reportedly watched Tomori and Loftus-Cheek during Milan’s 3-0 defeat at Bournemouth on Thursday. Both started, although goalkeeper Mike Maignan’s early dismissal made it a difficult evening for the visitors.
Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly enquired about both players, while Brentford and Nottingham Forest are checking on Loftus-Cheek. Sunderland are specifically named in connection with Tomori in the latest report.
How much did Milan pay?
Tomori initially joined Milan on loan from Chelsea in January 2021 before completing a permanent transfer that summer. The defender’s move was widely reported to have cost £25million after Milan activated their purchase option. Reports also detailed a possible £5million in additional payments, potentially taking the overall package to £30million.
His performances during that initial loan helped Milan qualify for the Champions League, convincing the Italian club to make his stay permanent. Loftus-Cheek followed from Chelsea in June 2023, signing a four-year contract running until June 2027.
His transfer fee was undisclosed, but contemporary reports generally placed it at approximately £15million plus add-ons. Other reporting put the structure at £14million initially, with a further £3million in potential bonuses. Using the widely reported initial figures, Milan invested approximately £40million in the pair before additional payments. Those amounts reflect their previous transfers rather than any current asking prices.
Contract situation could influence January decisions
Tomori’s contract also runs until June 2027, leaving both players approaching the final six months of their deals when the January window opens. TEAMtalk reports that Milan are prepared to negotiate rather than risk losing them without receiving a transfer fee next summer.
Coventry City manager Frank Lampard is another reported admirer, having worked with both at Chelsea, although the report describes either move as difficult to complete. For Sunderland, the reported contact over Tomori presents a potential opportunity to add experience, but competition appears considerable. No current asking price or agreement involving the Black Cats has been established.