Chelsea Unveil New Signing Tosin Adarabioyo
Chelsea Unveil New Signing Tosin Adarabioyo
Understandably, two of Chelsea’s sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, were quite pleased with the signing of Tosin Adarabioyo in 2024.
Adarabioyo is an experienced central defender who joined Chelsea on a free transfer from west London rivals Fulham.
In short, he was a low-risk, high-reward signing. On paper, it was one of the bargains of the summer, with Chelsea not having to pay a single penny for his signature.
Yet there were some who questioned whether Adarabioyo would be able to make the step up. Winstanley and Stewart certainly thought he could!
Chelsea's potential XI for cup games
Chelsea's potential XI for cup games
Upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge, they told Chelsea’s official club website: “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.”
In his first season at Chelsea, Adarabioyo certainly was adjusting to life at one of Europe’s top outfits. He had some solid games in the Premier League and was a key figure in the club’s successful Conference League campaign.
READ MORE:Why Chelsea will end up giving Tosin Adarabioyo role he’s willing to accept
Adarabioyo also helped Chelsea to win the Club World Cup after making four appearances and scoring one goal in the tournament. However, since then, the former Fulham man has had quite a fall from grace.
He really struggled last season and did not look convincing in Chelsea’s recent pre-season tour at all. Winstanley and Stewart spoke about his defensive qualities, but one-v-one, he has been very poor for about a year now.
Chelsea co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
For someone who stands at 6’5″, you would also expect Adarabioyo to be more dominant.
Chelsea’s critics and others who really scrutinised his move to Stamford Bridge will probably find Winstanley and Stewart’s words quite entertaining.
They will feel that their doubts were justified as Chelsea now contemplate selling the Manchester City academy product to another Premier League club.
At this point, a move would be good for Adarabioyo, who will not be a starter at Chelsea this upcoming season. Levi Colwill is fit, while the club have signed Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace to potentially partner the England international in a back four.