Defender, Tosin Adarabioyo has completed a free transfer to Chelsea from West-London rivals, Fulham.
Adarabioyo has spent the last four years at Fulham where he managed five goals in 132 appearances, plus helped the Cottagers claim promotion from Championship to Premier League in 2021-22 season – having been relegated from the top-flight in his first season at the club.
The 26 year-old centre-back however decided not to renew his contract which sparked interest from Newcastle United, until Chelsea swooped in to sign Adarabioyo and keep the defender in West London on a four-year contract until June 2028.
Adarabioyo will officially join Chelsea on 1 July once his contract at Fulham has expired on 30 June, and the defender posted a farewell message to Fulham fans on X.
As a new chapter awaits, I’d just like to thank everyone at Fulham Football Club for the last 4 years. Together with the manager, staff, my teammates and supporters, we made some great memories that I’ll always hold fondly. I wish you all the best in the future. pic.twitter.com/7spLN8p9W4
— Tosin Adarabioyo (@TosinAdarabioyo) June 6, 2024
Speaking upon confirmation of his new club, Adarabioyo commented: “Chelsea is a huge club and this is a full-circle moment for me. I was born three miles away from Stamford Bridge and made my professional debut there.
“I’m very excited and looking forward to helping push the club in the direction we want to go.”
On what fans can expect from him, Adarabioyo iterated that trophies are the target but he also hopes to bring his leadership skills to the team.
“I’m here to win. I want to win. It’s as simple as that really. I just want to keep working and pushing the team and the club in the direction we want to go in. I’m excited to get going.”
“Being a leader comes to me naturally. It’s something that is required of a centre-half. It’s an important responsibility. I want to come here and push the boys on as much as we can.”
Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley added: “Throughout his career, he has showcased his maturity and defensive qualities and has gained a wealth of experience in the Premier League in recent seasons.
“He is ready to make the step up to Chelsea and work alongside the talented players in our squad. We look forward to Tosin joining up with us for pre-season.”
Adarabioyo began his playing career at Manchester City where he graduated through their academy and made eight senior appearances across 2015-16, 16-17 and 17-18 season, before he was loaned to West Brom and Blackburn in the following two seasons.
It was at the latter loan where Adarabioyo scored his first senior goal in a comeback 2-1 home win over Sheffield Wednesday in November 2019, and he went on to net another two goals that season for Rovers in victories over Charlton and Bristol City.
Adarabioyo has also tasted just one defeat in eight senior matches in which he has scored – having also won six and drawn one game, with the sole loss having come in a 3-1 loss at Nottingham Forest in April 2024.
At international level, Adarabioyo is yet to make a senior appearance for England but has played at Under-16, 17, 18 and 19 levels.
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