Fikayo Tomori (Image credit: Google)
As per The Telegraph (h/t Football.london), Everton are interested in signing Chelsea youngster Fikayo Tomori ahead of the new campaign.
The report suggests that Tomori has caught the attention of the Toffees but the Merseyside outfit are waiting for the decision of the Blues regarding their 22-year-old starlet.
Born in Canada, Tomori flourished through the ranks of Chelsea’s youth system. He was impressive with the Blues’ youth teams, helping them win the UEFA Youth League twice. However, he struggled to break into the senior set-up and was sent on loan spells to Brighton, Hull City and Derby County to improve with regular game time.
During his final loan spell with the Rams, he helped them reach the Championship playoffs final and his impressive performances made him a regular starter under Frank Lampard. However, in recent times, he has lacked regular game time due to the return of Antonio Rudiger from injury.
The youngster, who represented Canada at U20 level, also received a call-up to the English national squad and he made his England debut last November.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men managed to finish in a respectable position in the league this past season but they were inconsistent. And one of the key reasons for their poor performance was the lack of stability at the back. The defence conceded 56 goals and that highlights the need for reinforcements.
At the moment, only three recognized centre-backs are available at Ancelotti’s disposal. Michael Keane and Mason Holgate have been regular starters and both of them have done a decent job so far. But Yerry Mina has struggled for form and consistency.
Apart from them, Jarrad Branthwaite and Matthew Pennington are the other central defenders in the squad. Branthwaite has just made it to the senior set-up and is inexperienced, whereas Pennington hasn’t been at his best. Thus, they need to bring in central defenders this summer.
In that regard, Tomori would be a viable option for the Toffees. The youngster may not have played enough but he looks capable of doing a better job with regular game time. He impressed in his loan spells earlier and is talented.
He is also capable of operating on the right side of the defence and could be used in the place of Seamus Coleman, who is already 31.
Given Everton’s limited options at the back, it is necessary for them to bring in a central defender. And Tomori could provide them with some much-needed depth at the back. And this move could also help the English international, who is in dire need of regular game time.
