Chelsea sign centre-back on free transfer

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer. 

The club announced on Friday that the Englishman had signed a contract that will begin on July 1, upon the expiry of his deal at West London rivals Fulham.

Adarabioyo, 26, has signed a four-year deal and will become the first signing of the Enzo Maresca era at Stamford Bridge.

The central defender leaves Craven Cottage after four years with the Whites, having joined Fulham from Manchester City in 2020.

He has made his debut at Chelsea’s stadium during an FA Cup clash in February 2016.

Having played just eight times for the Citizens at senior level, Adarabioyo went on to make a total of 132 appearances for Fulham across all competitions.

Adarabioyo will make the short move from Fulham to Chelsea at the start of July

Last term he was hampered by injury but made 25 appearances for Marco Silva’s side.

Fulham had been keen to keep hold of the player and agree an extension to his current deal, but the defender has opted to depart Craven Cottage and will now make the short trip across West London.

The arrival of Adarabioyo at Stamford Bridge suggests that the Blues could sell at least one defender this summer, with academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah having been heavily linked with a move away from his boyhood club.

Adarabioyo will be vying with the likes of Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi and Levi Colwill for a starting spot in Maresca’s side next season.