Al-Hilal Join Race for Tomori but Fall Short of Milan’s €20m Price

Al-Hilal Join Race for Tomori but Fall Short of Milan’s €20m Price

FolioPitch.com – 16 July 2026 | Al-Hilal join race for Tomori but fall short of Milan’s €20m price as the Saudi Pro League side eyes a defensive reinforcement for next season. Fikayo Tomori‘s future at AC Milan appears increasingly uncertain, with the English defender attracting interest from multiple clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to reports from Italian media, Al-Hilal have made a move for the 1997-born centre-back, tabling an offer in the region of €12-13 million. However, Milan are holding out for a fee closer to €20 million, a valuation that reflects Tomori’s contributions since joining from Chelsea in 2021. The Serie A giants are reluctant to accept a significant discount, especially given that the player’s contract expires next year and no renewal talks are underway.

The emergence of Mario Gila, who arrived from Lazio, has reshuffled the defensive pecking order at San Siro. Tomori, who has made 214 appearances and scored seven goals for the Rossoneri, is believed to recognize that regular playing time will be harder to come by next season. With his contract winding down, a sale this summer has become a concrete possibility. From a financial standpoint, any offer above the residual book value of €5.7 million would avoid a capital loss, making a deal feasible even at a lower price than the initial €20m demand.

Interestingly, Al-Hilal join race for Tomori but fall short of Milan’s €20m price, and the defender’s preferred destination is a return to the Premier League. While clubs from England have shown exploratory interest, no firm proposals have materialized. Juventus have also been linked, but their pursuit depends on outgoing sales. The Saudi club’s bid, while not meeting Milan’s valuation, signals their ambition to bolster their squad with established European talent.

Tomori’s journey at Milan has been remarkable. After arriving on loan in January 2021, he made the move permanent for around £25 million, becoming a key figure in the team that won the Scudetto in 2021-22. His pace and defensive acumen endeared him to fans, but the arrival of Gila and the consistent form of other centre-backs have reduced his role. The club’s hierarchy is open to offers, and the player himself has acknowledged that a fresh start may be beneficial.

Al-Hilal join race for Tomori but fall short of Milan’s €20m price, but the Saudi side could return with an improved offer as the window progresses. Milan’s management, led by sporting director Geoffrey Moncada, is known for negotiating firmly. The Rossoneri are keen to recoup a fair fee for a player who still has market value, especially with interest from multiple parties. Meanwhile, Tomori’s representatives are exploring options across Europe, balancing the allure of a Premier League return with the lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia.

For now, the situation remains fluid. Milan are preparing for pre-season, and the club’s defensive depth—featuring Gila, Simon Kjær, Malick Thiaw, and Pierre Kalulu—means they can afford to part ways with Tomori if the right offer arrives. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Al-Hilal can bridge the gap in valuation or if another club steps in with a bid matching the €20m price tag.

In conclusion, Al-Hilal join race for Tomori but fall short of Milan’s €20m price, but the transfer saga is far from over. The defender’s exit seems inevitable, and the only questions remaining are the destination and the final fee. Milan will hope to maximize their return, while Tomori seeks regular football to revive his career.

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