Tosin Adarabioyo: Meet Nigeria Eligible Defender Who Joined Chelsea From Fulham

• Tosin Adarabioyo has officially joined Chelsea Football Club, becoming the team's first signing of the Enzo Maresca era
• The 26-year-old had been linked with Manchester United and Newcastle United, but he opted for a Stamford Bridge move
• Adarabioyo was born in England to Nigerian parents, but despite representing the youth teams of his country of birth, he could still represent Nigeria at the senior level

English Premier League club, Chelsea, have confirmed the signing of Tosin Adarabioyo, who becomes their first arrival of the Enzo Maresca era.

Despite interest from Manchester United and Newcastle United, the Blues hijacked the move and sealed a four-year deal with the star.

Adarabioyo is expected to replace the legendary Thiago Silva after the veteran Brazilian returned to Fluminense upon the expiration of his contract.

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The 26-year-old is excited about his move to Stamford Bridge, saying his career has returned to its starting point.

Who is Tosin Adarabioyo?

Tosin Adarabioyo was born in London, England, to Nigerian parents and is the youngest of three brothers, who were all part of Manchester City youth ranks.

He was an infant when the family moved to the UK and settled in Manchester, where he studied up to college.

The defender started his youth career with Fletcher Moss Rangers in 2003 before moving to Manchester City later that year.

Adarabioyo was called up to Manchester City's first team in 2016 and made eight appearances for the Citizens in competitions other than the Premier League, Standard reports.

In 2018, he was loaned to West Bromwich Albion, and Blackburn Rovers also signed him on loan the following year.

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Adarabioyo joined Fulham in 2020 and became a key member of the squad, making 132 appearances in all competitions. His performance has attracted Chelsea, who have now handed him a four-year deal.

Is Tosin Adarabioyo still eligible to play for Nigeria?

Although he represented his country of birth at various youth levels, Adarabioyo could still switch allegiance to play for Nigeria.

He has yet to debut for the Three Lions, meaning he remains eligible to represent Nigeria through descent.

Earlier reports have it that in 2020, Adarabioyo turned down an offer from the Nigeria Football Federation.

Tosin Adarabioyo's stats

During the recently concluded 2023/2024 Premier League season, Tosin Adarabioyo scored two goals in 20 matches.

Footy Stats reports that he concedes an average of 1.28 goals for every 90 minutes he is on the pitch.

That means Tosin Adarabioyo kept a clean sheet in six matches out of the 20 he played.

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Chelsea set for Conference League action

Sports Brief earlier reported that if social media comments are anything to go by, Chelsea fans must be really downcast by their club's imminent participation in the Conference League next season.

The Blues lost their Europa League place to Manchester United after the Red Devils pulled off a surprising 2-1 victory over Manchester City to win the FA Cup on May 25.

Their journey will begin with a two-legged play-off, with the winner qualifying for the group stage or league phase.