Sunderland have reportedly made contact over a potential January move for AC Milan defender as the Black Cats explore opportunities to strengthen their squad ahead of the second half of the Premier League season.
According to TEAMtalk, Regis Le Bris’ side are among several English clubs monitoring the former Chelsea center-back, who could be available as Milan considers the futures of players approaching the final months of their contracts.
Tomori’s teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also attracting interest from clubs in England, with both players contracted to the Italian giants until June 2027.
With their current deals approaching expiry, the upcoming January transfer window could provide Milan with an opportunity to collect transfer fees rather than risk losing either player for nothing next summer.
Sunderland Faces Fierce Competition for Tomori
Sunderland are reportedly competing with several Premier League clubs for Tomori’s signature, with Manchester United, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Fulham also understood to have made inquiries about the defender.
TEAMtalk journalist Graeme Bailey reports that Chelsea are considering a potential reunion with their former academy graduate as they assess options to strengthen their defensive department.
Tomori, who turns 29 in December, has built considerable experience since leaving English football to establish himself in Italy. His experience in Serie A and European competition could make him an attractive option for clubs seeking defensive reinforcements.
However, Sunderland’s reported interest has not yet progressed into a confirmed formal bid, and there is no indication that an agreement has been reached.
Several Premier League sides reportedly sent representatives to watch Tomori and Loftus-Cheek during AC Milan’s 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth on Thursday. Both players started the contest, although goalkeeper Mike Maignan’s early dismissal complicated the visitors’ task.
Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur have also reportedly inquired about the pair, while Brentford and Nottingham Forest are monitoring Loftus-Cheek’s situation.
For now, Sunderland’s reported interest appears to be focused specifically on Tomori, with competition from domestic rivals potentially complicating any January negotiations.
How Much Did AC Milan Pay for Tomori?
Tomori initially joined AC Milan on loan from Chelsea in January 2021 before completing a permanent switch later that year.
Milan were widely reported to have paid approximately £25 million to secure his services after activating their purchase option. Additional payments of around £5 million were also reported, potentially taking the overall package to £30 million.
The defender made a strong impression during his initial loan spell, helping Milan secure Champions League qualification and convincing the club to make his move permanent.
Loftus-Cheek subsequently followed him to Italy in June 2023 after leaving Chelsea, signing a four-year contract that runs until June 2027.
Although Milan did not officially disclose his transfer fee, contemporary reports placed the initial cost at approximately £14 million to £15 million, with further payments potentially taking the total higher.
Based on those reported initial fees, Milan invested around £40 million in the two Englishmen, excluding possible add-ons. However, those historical figures do not establish how much the Italian club would demand for either player in January.
Contract Situation Could Open the Door for Sunderland
Tomori and Loftus-Cheek are both approaching the final six months of their respective contracts when the January transfer window opens, potentially giving Milan an important decision to make over their futures.
TEAMtalk reports that the Serie A club are willing to discuss departures as they seek to avoid the possibility of losing either player without a transfer fee when their contracts expire.
Both players are also understood to be open to returning to English football, potentially increasing the chances of negotiations with interested Premier League sides.
Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has reportedly admired both players since working with them at Chelsea. Nevertheless, securing either signing could prove difficult given the competition and financial considerations involved.
For Sunderland, Tomori could represent an opportunity to bring additional experience and defensive quality into the squad as the campaign progresses.
The Black Cats would, however, need to navigate competition from several established English clubs before any potential deal could move forward.
At this stage, Sunderland’s reported contact represents an early development rather than confirmation of an imminent transfer. No official bid, agreed fee, or January deal has been established, leaving Tomori’s future open as speculation continues to build.
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