Chelsea have secured the signing of defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer, reuniting the 26-year-old with his childhood club.
Adarabioyo will join the Blues on a four-year deal after his contract with Fulham expires at the end of June.
London Born, Chelsea Bound:
A former Manchester City youth player, Adarabioyo was born just a few miles from Stamford Bridge and made his professional debut there. This move represents a return to his roots, and he expressed his excitement about contributing to the club’s future.
Boosting Set-Piece Efficiency:
Chelsea are hopeful that Adarabioyo’s height (6ft 5in) will be a major asset in improving their record at set-pieces, both offensively and defensively. This focus on set-pieces is further emphasized by the arrival of coach Bernardo Cueva from Brentford, who will join the club for £750,000 to establish a dedicated set-piece department.
Competition and Departures:
Adarabioyo’s arrival could pave the way for the departure of academy defender Trevoh Chalobah, who has attracted interest from Manchester United and is reportedly available for transfer this summer. Veteran defender Thiago Silva is also set to leave Chelsea, returning to his native Brazil to play for Fluminense.
Securing a Target:
According to BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella, Chelsea faced stiff competition for Adarabioyo’s signature. Manchester United made a late attempt, while Newcastle and Atletico Madrid were also interested. Ultimately, Adarabioyo chose Chelsea due to the promise of a significant role, the chance to reunite with former coach Enzo Maresca, and his belief in the club’s project. Chelsea’s qualification for European competition also played a part in his decision.
This signing strengthens Chelsea’s defense while addressing a weakness in set-pieces. With the addition of coach Cueva, the Blues are committed to improving their performance in this crucial area of the game.
