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Milan: Benfica tried Tomori, but the Englishman's salary is

Benfica advanced through Fikayo Tomori, but his salary made it impossible. English central is out of Milan's project.

13 August 2026PortugalItáliaInglaterra
Milan: Benfica tried Tomori, but the Englishman's salary is

Milan: Benfica tried Tomori, but the Englishman's salary is

According to Tuttomercatoweb.

Context

Fikayo Tomori, an English defender, was a key figure in AC Milan's recent Serie A success but now faces uncertainty over his future. Benfica's interest reflects its need for a player with his characteristics, but the salary issue could limit the Portuguese club's options in the market. Tomori's situation could be an example of how transfer market dynamics can impact player development and team formation in Europe.

Why this matters

Benfica's attempt to sign Fikayo Tomori highlights the club's search for quality defensive reinforcements, especially considering its need to improve solidity at the back. Tomori, who was a key player in Milan's title win, brings a combination of speed and aggression that aligns with the demands of modern football. However, his high salary represents a significant challenge for Benfica, which has prioritized financial sustainability in its market operations.

Main conclusions

  • Milan: Benfica tempted Tomori, the highest salary of the Englishman is.
  • Benfica advanced by Fikayo Tomori, plus salary inevitable.
  • Milan, Benfica have tried for Tomori: the Englishman's commitment is out of reach.

Benfica tried to sign Fikayo Tomori from Milan, but the operation came up against the English defender's salary demands, which were considered unfeasible given the financial reality of the club. According to information published in Italy, Tomori is out of the Rossoneri's sporting project, which opened the door for approaches from several clubs in this transfer window. Among these interested parties, Benfica emerged, which sought to understand the conditions for a possible deal, but the dossier did not progress due to the weight of the player's salary.

Tomori, an English international and an important player in Milan's title win two seasons ago, thus sees his immediate future open. The change of cycle at the San Siro club and the need to reconfigure the squad put the defender on a list of possible exits, a scenario that caught attention in the market. Still, the salary bar established by the athlete and his surroundings makes the transfer particularly demanding for teams outside the championships with greater investment capacity.

For Benfica, in search of solutions that add quality and experience to the defensive axis, the investigation by Tomori made sense on a sporting level, given the player's profile: fast, aggressive in duels and comfortable with the ball, characteristics valued in the red and black model. However, economic sustainability remains a determining factor in the Eagles' strategy, which in recent years has favored balanced operations between acquisition cost, wage bill and potential for future appreciation.

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The Tomori case illustrates the difficulties that Portuguese clubs face when competing for targets with salaries at Series A or Premier League level. The difference in salary caps often puts the brakes on deals of this type, even when the selling club is open to negotiating and the player wants to change things up. Without financial alignment, the operation loses traction — that's what happened in this dossier.

With Milan signaling the defender's departure from their project, Tomori's next destination could be in markets with a greater salary margin. On Benfica's side, the focus should remain on identifying alternatives that fit within the budgetary goals and the profile required by the coach for the new season. For now, the Englishman's name leaves the top of the red list, even though market developments may reopen unexpected paths.

In short, there was an attempt, but the salary stuck. Tomori remains linked to Milan and waiting for a solution, while Benfica refocuses its efforts on other opportunities in the center of defense.

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What happens next

With Tomori out of Milan's plans, his situation could attract more interest from other clubs, especially during the summer transfer window. Milan, in the process of restructuring, may be open to negotiations, but the player's salary will remain an obstacle for many clubs, including Benfica. The evolution of this case could influence Benfica's strategy in the search for a defensive reinforcement that fits its budget and game model.

Frequently asked questions

Who tried to hire Fikayo Tomori?

Benfica tried to sign Fikayo Tomori.

Where does Fikayo Tomori come from?

Fikayo Tomori is a Milan player.

Why are Benfica interested in Tomori?

Benfica seeks solutions that add quality and experience to the defensive axis, and Tomori has a valued profile in the team's model.

What is the status of Tomori's contract?

The operation to sign Tomori did not progress due to the player's salary demands, considered unfeasible for Benfica.

When can Tomori leave AC Milan?

Tomori's immediate future is open, as he is out of Milan's sporting project, but there is no specific date for a possible departure.

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