WATFORD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Fikayo Tomori of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Watford FC and Chelsea FC at Vicarage Road on November 02, 2019 in Watford, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
According to Football Insider (h/t Leeds Live), Leeds United are said to be keeping an update of Fikayo Tomori at Chelsea as they mull over a loan deal for him. The Blues youngster has been on the fringes this season and could be heading towards an exit. Despite ruling out any defensive signing in January, a loan deal for Tomori could still be on the cards at Leeds.
The 22-year-old English centre-back started his youth career at Chelsea’s academy in 2005 and progressed through the ranks. It wasn’t until 2016 that he got to make his debut for the first-team.
He was sent on loan in the following seasons to Brighton, Hull City and Derby County respectively. However, it was at Derby County that he truly showed his potential under Frank Lampard, who was the Derby manager then.
With a transfer ban on Chelsea, Tomori along with a few others were given ample first-team opportunities. He enjoyed a good run of form but ultimately fizzled away in the second half of the season, thereby making just 22 appearances. Tomori has been a regular of the England youth sides and has featured once for the senior side.
It’s safe to say Leeds are finding it a tad difficult to maneuver their way through the Premier League in their first season back in it. They started off on a good note but have somewhat been bruised back to reality in recent months. It seems like their side could really use some reinforcements in January.
One area they could really use some numbers right now is in defence. Robin Koch has been ruled out for a few months while Diego Llorente is set to be out until next year (source – Leeds Live). In Fikayo Tomori, Leeds will have a young yet experienced Premier League player who just needs more game time. He has shown glimpses of promise in the limited chances he has received at Chelsea and can be a solid addition to their defence.
A loan deal for a fairly solid Premier League defender seems like a good option for Bielsa and Everon. Tomori is likely to get a starting role alongside Liam Cooper and wouldn’t have to waste his time on the bench as he does at Chelsea. The Blues shouldn’t hesitate to send the youngster out for some first-team experience either.