Chelsea hint Tosin is moving on as summer signing handed centre-back's shirt number
Chelsea have dropped two hints about the future of London-born Nigerian centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo ahead of their season opener against Fulham next Monday.
Before Saturday's clash with Real Sociedad, the former Manchester City youth captain featured in all of Chelsea's pre-season fixtures, with the exception of the 3-0 win over AC Milan, for which he was an unused substitute.
Tosin was not included in Chelsea's squad for their final pre-season friendly, suggesting that he may have been deemed surplus to requirements by manager Xabi Alonso, who is reportedly looking to offload several defenders due to the club's strength in that area.
The 28-year-old has been linked with a reunion with former Fulham coach Marco Silva at Portuguese setup Benfica, while French giants Marseille have also been credited with an interest.
Tosin had worn the number 4 shirt since the 2022-23 season at Fulham and opted to retain the number upon joining Chelsea two years ago.
However, the number 4 jersey was assigned to summer signing ValentÃn Barco for the friendly against Real Sociedad, although the Argentina international remained an unused substitute.
Everything should become clearer in the coming days when the Blues confirm their squad numbers for the 2026-27 season.
Tosin wore the number 4 on his back in the pre-season friendlies against Johor Darul Ta'zim, AC Milan, Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur and Western Sydney Wanderers.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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