Chelsea confirm new squad numbers for two Nigerian centre-backs ahead of PL opener
Through their official website, Chelsea have confirmed their squad numbers for the 2026-27 season ahead of their Premier League opener against Fulham on Monday, August 24.
Two centre-backs of Nigerian descent, Tosin Adarabioyo and Tayo Subuloye, have been allocated new squad numbers.
Tosin has lost the No. 4 shirt he had worn since arriving at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea confirming that summer signing Valentin Barco will take over the number.
The former Manchester City youth team captain has been linked with a move away from the London club before the close of the summer transfer window, with Benfica, Marseille, Sevilla and Aston Villa all reportedly interested in his services.
Amid the uncertainty surrounding his future, Tosin is currently training away from Chelsea's first team squad.
The No. 38 shirt has previously been worn by Marc Guiu, Teddy Sharman-Lowe, Dylan Williams, Jérémie Boga, Kasey Palmer and Patrick van Aanholt.
Meanwhile, Subuloye has been handed the No. 37 shirt after wearing No. 66 in Chelsea's EFL Trophy clash against Northampton Town last season.
The 18-year-old was included in Chelsea's squad for their 2026 pre-season tour of Australia and Asia.
Elsewhere, the No. 12 and No. 15 shirts, previously worn by retired Nigeria internationals John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses respectively, have been allocated to Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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