Pep Guardiola’s comments speak volumes about Chelsea target set for ‘long term deal’
Pep Guardiola once spoke glowingly about an 18-year-old Tosin Adarabioyo, with the ex-Man City defender expected to join Chelsea from Fulham on a free transfer
Tosin Adarabioyo is set to join Chelsea (Image: Getty)
Chelsea are set to announce the signing of Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham. The 26-year-old defender is understood to have completed his medical this week with the Blues.
Adarabioyo is set to become Enzo Maresca's first signing as Chelsea's new head coach, having turned down a new contract at Craven Cottage. The departure of veteran Thiago Silva and the potential Trevoh Chalobah, who is understood to be on Manchester United's radar, paves the way for Adarabioyo's arrival at Stamford Bridge.
The central defender already has experience of playing for a big club, however, having come through Manchester City’s famed academy. He spent three seasons with the first team between 2015 and 2018, where he was coached by Pep Guardiola.
After loan spells at West Brom and Blackburn Rovers, he made the switch to Fulham in 2020. And Guardiola spoke glowingly about the then-teenage Adarabioyo back in August 2016, praising his attributes and highlighting his first team potential.
The Spaniard said: "One or two months ago, when we finished the season, I was sent a lot of highlights about the academy players; about Tosin, Brandon Barker, Bersant Celina, Manu Garcia and Aleix Garcia.
"We had an idea about them and trained with them all pre-season. Tosin has a lot of steps to get him better. It's not done, but he has all the quality.
Pep Guardiola [L] tipped a teenage Tosin Adarabioyo [R] to become a top player (Image: Getty)
"He is fast, he is faster than the people can believe it. He's strong in the air. He has the quality to look behind the line for the next step, the next pass, but he has a lot of things to improve and I hope I can help him to develop his skills."
Adarabioyo has been a key figure at Fulham over the past four years, making 132 appearances across all competitions. He featured in 20 Premier League games last term as they secured a 13th place finish.
In the 2021/22 season, he played a crucial role in helping Fuham clinch the Championship title with 41 league appearances.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Pep Guardiola coached Tosin Adarabioyo at Manchester City (Image: Getty)
Adarabioyo is one of a number of signings Maresca could make after being confirmed as Chelsea boss. The Blues have been linked with a host of players already since the end of last season, including Benjamin Sesko and Michael Olise.
Sesko is the talk of the transfer window so far, with Arsenal also reported to be interested in his service. Olise, meanwhile, has also been attractiing attention from Manchester United, although either club will likely need to cough up in the region of £60million to take him away from Crystal Palace.
