Chelsea sign centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham

Chelsea have announced the signing of centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo on a four-year contract. The 26-year-old defender will join the club from Fulham, with his contract beginning on 1 July 2024.

Adarabioyo, who was born just three miles from Stamford Bridge, expressed his excitement about joining Chelsea.

"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, welcomed the new signing.

"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. 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 career with Manchester City at the age of five, progressing through the youth ranks and captaining the Under-18s at 16 years old.

He made his professional debut at Stamford Bridge in February 2016, starting for a youthful Man City side in the FA Cup. He made seven more first-team appearances over the next two seasons.

After loan spells with West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers, Adarabioyo joined Fulham permanently in October 2020.

In his first Premier League campaign with Fulham, he made 33 appearances and received much praise for his performances. Over the past two seasons, he made 45 top-flight appearances, helping Fulham secure a 10th and 13th place finish.