Chelsea has officially signed defender Tosin Adarabioyo from Premier League rivals Fulham on a free transfer. The 26-year-old, who previously trained with Manchester City, has agreed to a four-year contract and will join Chelsea on July 1, following the expiration of his contract with Fulham.
Adarabioyo expressed his excitement in a statement released by Chelsea on Friday, highlighting the personal significance of the move: “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.”
Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, praised Adarabioyo’s defensive skills and experience: “We are delighted to bring Tosin to Chelsea.
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.”
Adarabioyo joined Fulham in 2020 and has been a key player for the team. His transfer to Chelsea marks the club’s first signing under new manager Enzo Maresca, who recently took over on a five-year deal following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino.
This move comes after veteran centre-back Thiago Silva’s departure from Chelsea to join Brazilian club Fluminense. Chelsea continues its significant investment in player acquisitions, having spent over £1 billion since the club’s purchase by a consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in May 2022.
Adarabioyo’s addition is expected to strengthen Chelsea’s defensive lineup as the club aims to improve its performance in the upcoming Premier League season.
