OFFICIAL: Chelsea announce first signing of Enzo Maresca era
As the first manager of Enzo Maresca’s tenure, Chelsea has confirmed the completion of their free transfer signing of Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham.
The 26-year-old center back, who comes with a freedom of contract, was acquired by the Blues after defeating rivals Manchester United and Newcastle.
Adarabioyo declined a more lucrative deal from the Magpies to work with his former Manchester City coach Maresca at Stamford Bridge, as exclusively disclosed by FootballTransfers. While this was going on, Man Utd attempted a late play for the defender but got there too late to successfully complete a hijack.
Adarabioyo has signed a four-year contract with Chelsea after Maresca implored the club to increase their offer.
Tosin told the Blues’ official website: “Chelsea is a huge club and this is a full-circle moment for me. I was born three miles away from Stamford Bridge and made my professional debut there.
“I’m very excited and looking forward to helping push the club in the direction we want to go.”
Co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart added: “We are delighted to bring Tosin to Chelsea. Throughout his career, he has showcased his maturity and defensive qualities and has gained a wealth of experience in the Premier League in recent seasons.
“He is ready to make the step up to Chelsea and work alongside the talented players in our squad. We look forward to Tosin joining up with us for pre-season.”
Champions League experience
Tosin has 78 Premier League matches under his belt while he also has some Champions League experience, having played three times in the competition at Manchester City.
Although Chelsea are set to have to sell significantly in order to make big-money signings, there is nothing stopping them from adding Adarabioyo to their ranks given his status as a free agent plus what are expected to be relatively small wage demands.