Fikayo Tomori - What now?
With a loan move being hinted by Frank Lampard, what has actually happened in this intriguingly odd story?
Fikayo Tomori was expected to be the first name out this January, so I was surprised to see him play for Chelsea on Sunday against Morecambe.
12 days into the January transfer window, and there are still not any clear signs that the 23-year old defender is actually leaving the club; unless it is going on behind the scenes and the powers that be are doing very well in keeping it behind closed doors.
We’ve heard whispers of potential moves to Newcastle, Leeds, and Rennes - all three clubs have enquired, plus there are other interested parties.
We’ve heard strong reports that Tomori himself has grown so fed up with the situation this season that he would prefer to now leave the club on a permanent deal - which is of course something that the board will not sanction.
A loan deal has always been highly possible this window, and Frank Lampard hinted at it once again on Sunday after giving him some cameo minutes in the FA Cup.
“The situation with Fikayo is open at the moment. There is a possibility he could be going on loan to get games somewhere else,” said Lampard.
But Lampard claims Tomori’s attitude has been great, and he gave him minutes whilst they all collectively decide on what is best for the players future.
“I gave him some minutes at the end but while we were looking at that I wanted to make sure it was the right thing for the club and for him and individually. So that’s why he didn’t start.
“But his attitude, even though he hasn’t played much recently, has been fantastic in training and in how he is,” concluded Lampard.
However, there have been reports that there has been concerns over Tomori’s complete ability.
But for a player who went from being a regular for Lampard at Derby County, to starting every game for him at Chelsea at the start of last season, to then being completely phased out and not even making the bench - suggests that there is a lot more to this story than meets the eye.
I’ve been informed reliably that there is more behind the scenes to this, various issues between the two have occurred relating to some off-field situations and a bit of a relationship breakdown between the pair.
Lampard has already shown that he won’t put up with any players not acting maturely or not having the right attitude - selling David Luiz to Arsenal when he first arrived at the club showed this. There was a clash there, and I feel this is similar to what has happened with Tomori.
Obviously I am not there, and only Lampard and Tomori truly know what has gone on here, but there is clearly something a lot more to this than just the players ability, and a loan move looks like the conclusive solution this month.