Fikayo Tomori could hand Fulham second transfer chance in January

Fulham could be given another opportunity to sign Fikayo Tomori in January after a proposed summer move for the AC Milan defender failed to materialise.

The London club pushed for Tomori late in the summer transfer window, with his representatives in the English capital on deadline day as they explored a possible departure from Milan.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, a transfer to Fulham could have gone through had Matteo Gabbia not suffered an injury. Milan instead brought Tomori back into their plans, ending the immediate prospect of a move.

That decision has not resulted in regular football. Tomori has yet to play for Milan this season, and with his contract expiring in 2027, questions over his future are returning ahead of January.

Gazzetta reports that Tomori is currently not expected to sign a new Milan contract.

Communication between the defender’s representatives and the Serie A club has also reportedly stalled since Milan informed them that Tomori would be reintegrated into the squad.

The expectation is that the 28-year-old will eventually receive opportunities, but potentially not enough to significantly change his position within the squad.

That could reopen the door for Fulham.

If Tomori remains short of minutes between now and January, another departure is expected to become a realistic possibility when the transfer window reopens.

For Fulham, that would provide a second opportunity to land a player they had already worked to sign during the summer.

The finances may also become increasingly favourable for Fulham.

Tomori was reportedly valued at approximately €15 million during the summer. With his contract moving closer to its final year, Milan's negotiating position could weaken if there is no progress towards a renewal.

The Italian club would then have to weigh the value of keeping a player currently on the fringes of the squad against securing a transfer fee before his contract runs down further.

Tomori also offers something particularly relevant to Fulham: extensive experience of English football from his previous spells with Chelsea and Derby County.

Much will still depend on his Milan involvement before January. A significant increase in minutes could change the situation, but continued time on the sidelines would make another Fulham approach increasingly plausible.

Tomori’s minutes between now and January will be crucial in determining whether Fulham get another opportunity.

Milan are expected to use the defender at some stage, but if he remains on the fringes and contract talks stay frozen, a winter transfer could become increasingly attractive to all parties.

Fulham already demonstrated concrete interest during the summer and therefore have an established route back into negotiations. His reported €15m summer valuation could also fall as the end of his contract moves closer, potentially giving the Premier League club more favourable conditions for a January deal.