Chelsea of England defender, Fikayo Tomori could become the next player of Nigerian descent to star for OGC Nice of France, who used to have the Super Eagles’ duo of Apam Onyekachi and John Chukwudi Utaka on their cards, megasportsarena.com reports.
With Utaka and Onyekachi long forgotten at the Nice, Nigerian attention at the French Ligue 1 club is bound to return should they successful get Tomori on loan next month, as British daily newspaper, The Sun reported at the weekend that the former Derby County stopper is being tracked for a loan transfer.
Tomori could be tempted to take up the offer, especially as he has lost his starting spot under the same man who reposed so much trust in him during their days together at Derby, as Frank Lampard is focusing on stronger steel at Stamford Bridge and the loan deal that could take the Canada-born lad away is unlikely to be affected by the post-Brexit transfer regulations.
British players now have to qualify for work permits before European sides can sign them up, which is hitting a number of proposed switches for young players fresh out of the academy, but Tomori’s international statuses with Canada at youth level and now in England’s senior team are expected to give him an exception in Brexit regulations should he accept the offer from Nice.
The report out of Queensland added: “Though Tomori’s game time at Chelsea has been limited this season, he still regarded with proven experience in the EPL and an England cap, which are enough to see him secure enough points to be cleared to play in France.
“Tomori has featured in just one top-flight match this term with Frank Lampard preferring a pairing of Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva. The ex-Derby loanee has been involved in just three fixtures this campaign, with his last outing coming in the Carabao Cup defeat against Tottenham on September 29.
“But despite being out of favour in West London, several Premier League clubs have shown an interest in taking the centre-back. One of those looking to secure his services are Newcastle, but Chelsea are not keen on letting him move to a rival in the Premier League.”
