Chelsea Secures Fulham Defender as First Signing Under Enzo Maresca

Chelsea has completed the signing of Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer, marking the first acquisition under new head coach Enzo Maresca.

Earlier this week, Chelsea confirmed the appointment of Enzo Maresca, formerly of Leicester City, as their new head coach. Concurrently, Chelsea’s recruitment team was working diligently to secure Adarabioyo, a soon-to-be free agent, amidst interest from various clubs, including Newcastle United.

The 26-year-old defender opted for a move to Chelsea’s West London neighbors, Fulham, with his contract at Stamford Bridge set to commence on July 1.

Adarabioyo’s Statement

Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, Adarabioyo expressed his excitement: “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, who led the signing efforts, 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.”

Adarabioyo’s Journey to Chelsea

Adarabioyo began his professional journey with Manchester City, making his debut in a 5-1 defeat to Chelsea, playing alongside experienced defenders like Pablo Zabaleta, Martin Demichelis, and Aleksandar Kolarov. He made eight appearances for City before furthering his development with loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers.

Since the 2020-21 season, Adarabioyo has made 132 appearances for Fulham, contributing significantly to their Championship title win in the 2021-22 season. Despite being limited to 20 Premier League appearances last season, he played a crucial role in victories over Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur.

At Chelsea, Adarabioyo will compete for a starting position alongside defenders Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, and Wesley Fofana, as well as Trevoh Chalobah, should he remain with the club.

Chelsea has completed the signing of Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer, marking the first acquisition under new head coach Enzo Maresca.

Earlier this week, Chelsea confirmed the appointment of Enzo Maresca, formerly of Leicester City, as their new head coach. Concurrently, Chelsea’s recruitment team was working diligently to secure Adarabioyo, a soon-to-be free agent, amidst interest from various clubs, including Newcastle United.

The 26-year-old defender opted for a move to Chelsea’s West London neighbours, Fulham, with his contract at Stamford Bridge set to commence on July 1.

Adarabioyo’s Statement

Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, Adarabioyo expressed his excitement: “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, who led the signing efforts, 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.”