Chelsea have made their first summer signing under new manager Enzo Maresca, bringing in Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a four-year deal.
Italian transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the 26-year-old joined Chelsea as a free agent and became the first signing under manager Enzo Maresca.
The former England youth international of Nigerian descent Tosin will officially join Chelsea on July 1 after his Fulham contract expires.
Tosin arrives at Chelsea following the departure of Brazilian veteran center-back Thiago Silva.
Following his transition from Fulham to Chelsea, the 26-year-old expressed his delight to wear the Blue jersey.
Tosin said: “Chelsea is a huge club and this is a full-circle moment for me”
The England star sees joining Chelsea as a significant milestone in his career, having also made his professional debut there.
He added: “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.”
Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, are pleased to have Tosin on board and are looking forward to seeing him “contribute to the club’s success.”
The duo said: ‘’We are delighted to bring Tosin to Chelsea.”
Tosin Adarabioyo’s career
Tosin started his football career with Manchester City at the age of five.
He made his senior debut for City at Stamford Bridge in 2016 and briefly worked with Maresca during his time at the club in 2020.
The Nigerian descent had loan spells with West Brom and Blackburn Rovers before joining Fulham in October 2020.
He made 20 appearances for Fulham in the Premier League during the 2023/24 campaign.
Tosin Adarabioyo is a former England youth international and represented the country on 14 occasions between the under-16 and under-19 levels.
However, he has not been called to represent England’s senior team.
The 26-year-old also remains eligible to represent Nigeria through his ancestral ties.
His Tosin Adarabioyo good?
Adarabioyo is a dynamic center-back with a strong skillset, known for his speed, aerial prowess, and ability to play the ball forward.
Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola once praised him for his qualities, highlighting his speed, strength in the air, and vision for the next pass.
In the 2020-21 Premier League season, Adarabioyo, in his first full season in England’s top division, recorded more clearances than any other player.
Is Tosin a Nigerian player?
Adarabioyo was born in London, England, to Nigerian parents but he chose to represent England’s national team.
Tosin’s parents and family
Tosin is the youngest of three brothers born to Nigerian parents. His oldest brother, Gbolahan, acts as his agent while his middle brother, Fisayo Adarabioyo, is also involved in football. All three siblings were part of Manchester City’s youth team.
Tosin Adarabioyo’s Salary
Tosin Adarabioyo reportedly earns an annual salary of £2,080,000 equivalent to £40,000 per week, not including bonuses at Fulham.
Tosin Adarabioyo’s age and height
He was born on the 24th of September 1997 which makes him 26 years old. Tosin has a height of 1.96 m.
