English giants Chelsea have now confirmed their first signing of the 2024/25 season as they head into the campaign under new leadership.
The Blues have announced the signing of Tosin Adarabioyo, who recently left Fulham as a free agent after his contract with the Cottagers had run its course.
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Tosin is a BLUE! ???? pic.twitter.com/BXXnaHI0UZ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 7, 2024
The 26-year-old is Chelsea's first signing since the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino's replacement Enzo Maresca, with a medical believed to have been completed on Tuesday already.
The London club has announced that he has signed a four-year contract, which comes into effect from 1 July.
Speaking to the Blues' official website, the centre-back expressed his excitement at what lies ahead.
"Growing up, Chelsea has always been a club that have performed well and one that have had great players and teams to watch. Chelsea have won big trophies and long may it continue," Adarabioyo stated.
"I'm here to win. I want to win. It's as simple as that really. I just want to keep working and pushing the team and the club in the direction we want to go in. I'm excited to get going."
With previous interest in his signature reportedly coming from Newcastle United and Manchester United, Adarabioyo explained his reasoning behind joining the Maresca-led side.
"I've developed leaps and bounds. I've become a man and established myself as a top Premier League centre-half. That's why I've joined Chelsea," he added.
"Being a leader comes to me naturally. It's something that is required of a centre-half. It's an important responsibility. I want to come here and push the boys on as much as we can."
Fulham confirmed on Wednesday morning that the player had departed the club, and with Stamford Bridge being his new destination, Adarabioyo will be hoping to bring with him the form he showed during the 2023/24 campaign.
The defender, who is a Manchester City youth product, made 25 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with two goals and helping keep seven clean sheets.
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Adarabioyo was also linked with a move to fellow Premier League rivals Newcastle United before the Blues snapped him up.
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