26-year-old Fulham defender, Tosin Adarabioyo, has joined Chelsea on a free transfer for a four-year contract that begins on July 1 and it will be interesting to see which squad number the Manchester City graduate wears.
Adarabioyo is Chelsea FC’s first signing under new boss Enzo Maresca. He will arrive at Stamford Bridge as his contract at Craven Cottage runs out at the conclusion of the ongoing month.
The former Manchester City youth centre-back has reportedly turned down an offer in April to become one of Fulham’s highest-paid players and is understood to be making the move since the Blues have qualified for next season’s Europa Conference League.
Tosin Adarabioyo has been one of the players that multiple Premier League sides have been vying for in the lead-up to the summer transfer window. His performances at Fulham have not only been excellent but also have foretold a tale of experience and maturity at the back, which explains why the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United were looking to snap his signatories, according to BBC Sport’s report.
Thiago Silva’s departure created a vacancy for squad number 6, which can be filled by Adarabioyo. However, this jersey number also carries the weight of expectations, which Adarabioyo’s towering presence and ball-playing ability can fulfil which makes him a potential contender for this number.
The 26-year-old could also be seen wearing the number 24 shirt, considering his history with the number. This squad number has been worn by defenders such as Gary Cahill. Cahill’s reputation as a dependable and dominating presence in the defence might act as motivation for the incoming recruit.
Chelsea hopes he can help improve their record in both attacking and defensive set-pieces as coach Bernardo Cueva joins them from Brentford for £75m to develop a set-piece department.
The Blues’ decision to go all out for Adarabioyo is intended to help overcome a significant weakness at set-pieces by exploiting his 6ft 5in size when attacking and defending free-kicks and corners.
As the new season approaches, supporters anxiously await to see which number he will make his own. His arrival at Chelsea represents the start of an exciting new chapter for both the player and the organisation. His squad number will be more than simply a numeral on his jersey.
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