Chelsea FC are working on the squad of the future and presented their first new summer signing on Friday with Tosin Adarabioyo. The coveted defender arrives on a free transfer from neighboring London club Fulham
In recent transfer windows, Chelsea FC have sometimes dug deep into their pockets to bring players to Stamford Bridge. In the case of Tosin Adarabioyo, this is not necessary – the 26-year-old joins the Blues on a free transfer from Premier League rivals Fulham.
According to English media reports, Newcastle United had been courting the services of the 1.96-meter defender for weeks. In the end, however, the Magpies came away empty-handed as Adarabioyo preferred to stay in London and take up the challenge at Chelsea FC. The Englishman signed a four-year contract with the 2021 Champions League winners until June 30, 2028.
“Chelsea is a huge club and this is where things come full circle for me,” explained Adarabioyo: “I was born three miles from Stamford Bridge and made my professional debut there. “
Successor for Thiago Silva
The former England U-19 international with Nigerian roots trained in the youth ranks at Manchester City, was loaned out to West Brom and Blackburn before Fulham finally released him from Manchester in October 2020.
Adarabioyo has since made 132 competitive appearances (five goals, two assists) for the Cottagers. In addition to 78 Premier League appearances (three goals), he also brings the experience of three Champions League games to the Blues, who will only be competing in the Conference League in the upcoming 2024/25 season.
“Growing up, Chelsea was always a club that did well and had great players and teams to watch,” says the London native: “Chelsea have won big trophies and I want it to continue. I’m here to win.”
He is “very excited” and is looking forward to “taking the club in the direction we want to go”. Adarabioyo, who is set to take over the role of free agent Thiago Silva among others, is also the first transfer of the Enzo Maresca era, who will take over as head coach of the Blues in the summer.
