Tottenham sign Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo

Tottenham have signed defender Tosin Adarabioyo from Chelsea in the final hours of the summer transfer window.

The club announced the move on its website, saying: “We are delighted to announce the arrival of Tosin Adarabioyo.”

Adarabioyo, 28, said he had spoken to the manager and believed his approach would suit Tottenham.

“I’m at an important stage of my football career and, after speaking to the manager and understanding the style of play he prefers, I believe I’m a perfect fit for this team,” he told Tottenham’s website.

“The manager wants the team to play with bravery, and that is something I always strive for.”

He added: “I want to achieve the best results and push this team and this club as far as possible to reach the level we deserve.”

“That is what has to be done every day, especially in training, and I will bring that mentality to the club,” Adarabioyo said.

Born in London, Adarabioyo began his career with Manchester City, joining the club at the age of five. He progressed through the academy and regularly captained the under-18 side when he was only 16.

He made his senior debut for Manchester City in February 2016, starting an FA Cup match against Chelsea.

Adarabioyo became the youngest player in Manchester City’s history to start a European match when he was 19. He made eight first-team appearances for the club.

He spent the 2018-19 season on loan at West Bromwich Albion, playing 36 times and helping them reach the play-offs for promotion to the Championship.

The following campaign, he joined Blackburn Rovers on loan and made a further 35 first-team appearances, scoring three goals.

A physically imposing central defender, Adarabioyo left Manchester City permanently in October 2020 to join Fulham. He played 33 Premier League matches during his first season at Craven Cottage.

He was a key member of the Fulham team that won promotion to the Premier League at the first attempt in the 2021-22 season. Across four years with the club, he made 132 appearances and scored five goals.

Chelsea spell

Adarabioyo joined Chelsea in July 2024. He scored his first goal for the club in a UEFA Conference League match in November 2024, with Chelsea going on to win the competition at the end of that season. He was also named in the tournament’s team of the season.

During his first campaign at Stamford Bridge, he made 41 appearances in all competitions and scored five goals. He was part of the Chelsea squad that won the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, featuring in four matches during the tournament.

Adarabioyo captained Chelsea for the first time in October 2025 in a Carabao Cup match. In total, he made 70 appearances for the London club and scored seven goals.

At international level, Adarabioyo represented England at various youth levels, reaching the England Under-19 team.