AC Milan forced to reinstate Tomori: Transfer strategy failure and lessons on player power

Just 17 days after being excluded from the squad plan, Fikayo Tomori is back training with AC Milan. This surprise decision is not a tactical change of heart by manager Amorim, but a direct consequence of a series of transfer market failures. On August 13, 2026, Tomori was among five players – including Odogu, Nkunku, Gimenez, and Fofana – removed from the squad plan. The official reason related to squad registration and the club's desire to sell him. Amorim even stated to the press: 'There will be no U-turn.' But just over two weeks later, Sky Sport reported Tomori was allowed to train again. What happened? The answer lies in the failure of the plan to sell Tomori. Throughout the transfer window, the English centre-back rejected every offer, including a nearly completed move to Tottenham in January 2026 and a Fulham offer on September 1. He stayed in London with his agents, determined not to leave. Meanwhile, Gabbia's injury (2 weeks out) and the inability to sign a new centre-back in the final 48 hours of the window forced AC Milan to change course. This is a clear demonstration of AC Milan's weak negotiating position. They failed to sell the player, failed to sign a replacement, and ended up with an unwanted solution. Financially, keeping Tomori means continuing to pay high wages for a player who may not be used, depreciating the asset on the balance sheet. In the dressing room, the relationship between Tomori and the management is clearly damaged. He was made to train individually, isolated from the first team. Reintegration could create tension if other players view it as a special case. Moreover, manager Amorim's authority is weakened after publicly ruling out a U-turn and then having to reverse it. However, bringing Tomori back also helps AC Milan avoid a potential legal claim. Under Italian labour law, excluding a player from the first team without valid reason could be considered 'mobbing' – a form of workplace harassment. Reintegration mitigates this risk. Tactically, Tomori offers a speedy, high-line defender. But his confidence and fitness after individual training are major question marks. If used in upcoming matches, he could bolster the defence during Gabbia's absence, but he could also be a double-edged sword if underperforming. This story also reflects the growing power of player agents. Tomori, with his agent's support, thwarted the club's plan. This sends a signal to other players that they can resist club wishes if they are determined enough. Overall, AC Milan is in a bind: they couldn't sell Tomori, couldn't replace him, and are forced to keep him. This is a clear strategic failure. In the short term, the club must repair the relationship with the player, maximize his contribution in the next 2-4 weeks, and prepare for the January window. Otherwise, this story may repeat, and Tomori's value will continue to decline. The lesson: the transfer market is not just about money, but also about trust and power. AC Milan lost both.