Fikayo Tomori set for AC Milan return as contract decision points towards summer exit

Fikayo Tomori is expected to finally return to competitive action for AC Milan in October after a remarkable summer in which the defender went from being pushed towards the exit to becoming a necessary part of Ruben Amorim's squad.

Tomori was made available for transfer following Milan's disappointing 2025/26 campaign and was temporarily separated from the main group at Milanello.

However, Milan's failure to complete a late defensive signing changed the situation. Tomori was reintegrated on September 2 and has remained in Amorim's squad since, although he is still waiting for his first appearance of the season.

Tomori's last competitive appearance came against Cagliari on May 24, when Milan's defeat confirmed they would finish outside the Champions League places.

His position subsequently deteriorated, with concerns reportedly raised over both his performances and aspects of his approach in training.

Despite being included in every squad since his September reintegration, Tomori has yet to play.

That could change quickly after the international break.

Milan face seven matches in 30 days, forcing Amorim to rotate his squad. Tomori is expected to feature against Salzburg in the Europa League on October 15 and could also receive opportunities in Serie A.

The Englishman currently appears to provide Amorim with a more experienced alternative than Filippo Terracciano, who was given an opportunity against Benfica but failed to fully convince.

A return to the pitch is unlikely to change Milan's longer-term plans.

Tomori rejected potential moves to Fulham, Coventry and West Ham during the summer while waiting for an opportunity with Aston Villa that ultimately failed to materialise.

His preference throughout was to remain at Milan, and he eventually achieved that objective.

However, his contract expires next summer and, according to the report, Milan have no intention of offering him a renewal.

October could therefore represent the beginning of Tomori's final run of appearances for a club he has represented since leaving Chelsea.

Tomori could make his first appearance of the season against Salzburg in the Europa League on October 15, with further opportunities possible as Amorim rotates his defence.

Unless Milan change their contract stance, the coming months are likely to represent the final chapter of Tomori's time at San Siro before he becomes available next summer.