Chelsea have announced that they have signed defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer.
The centre-back, who will become a free agent when his contract at Fulham expires on June 30, has signed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
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The English youth star graduated from Manchester City’s academy, where he played under new Blues boss Enzo Maresca, who had previously worked as coach of City’s Elite Development Squad.
Newcastle were considered favourites to sign the 26-year-old and Manchester United were also linked with a move before Chelsea struck.
The Pitch Prospect has learned that Adarabioyo wanted to wait and see who qualified for European football, with Chelsea securing a place in the Europa Conference League while Newcastle missed out.
The Blues view the Englishman as a proven Premier League player and were signed due to his heading ability, low injury rate and previous experience with Maresca.
Adarabioyo joins a Chelsea side that bears the City stamp and also features Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia from the champions’ academy.
Football director Joe Shields was also formerly chief scout at the Etihad and had a lot of say during the Blues’ transfer window, which was owned by Clearlake Capital.
Chelsea are expected to sell academy stars this summer, including Trevoh Chalobah, who United and Bayern Munich are interested in.
They are also looking to fill the void left by Thiago Silva after the experienced defender announced his departure earlier in the season.
The signing of the out-of-contract Adarabioyo also strengthens Chelsea’s efforts to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules after the club spent generously over the past two years.
The defender was a key player for Fulham under Marco Silva, but missed the start of the season due to groin surgery.
Last season he played 25 games in all competitions, including 132 for the Cottagers.
Before his move was made official on July 1, Adarabioyo said: “Chelsea is a huge club and this is a full circle move for me. I was born three miles from Stamford Bridge and made my professional debut there.”
“I am very excited and look forward to leading the club in the desired direction.”
Meanwhile, co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart said: “We are delighted to bring Tosin to Chelsea. He has demonstrated his maturity and defensive qualities throughout his career and has gained a wealth of experience in the Premier League over the past few seasons.
“He is ready to make the step to Chelsea and work with the talented players in our squad. We look forward to Tosin joining us in pre-season.”