Newly released Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo has signed a four-year contract at Chelsea
The defender completed a medical earlier this week and will arrive at Stamford Bridge on a free transfer when his contract with Fulham officially expires at the end of June.
Tosin rejected several new contract offers at Craven Cottage before agreeing to become the first signing under new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
Newcastle had entered talks and Manchester United were also understood to be admirers, but Chelsea are said to have offered better personal conditions to win the race for his signature.
After signing for the Blues, Tosin said: "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."
Tosin's height and ability on the ball caught Chelsea's attention and with veteran Thiago Silva departing the club this summer, a gap in the squad at centre-back opened up.
The 26-year-old made 20 appearances for Fulham in the Premier League during the 2023/24 campaign, scoring two goals and helping his former side to a 13th-place finish.
"As a new chapter awaits, I'd just like to thank everyone at Fulham Football Club for the last four years," Tosin posted on social media on Thursday ahead of his move.
"Together with the manager, staff, my team-mates and supporters, we made some great memories that I'll always hold fondly. I wish you all the best in the future."
Tosin produced the best form of his career last season and was arguably one of the main factors behind Fulham staving off any relegation fears throughout the campaign.
His performances in the surprise wins over Manchester United and Brighton were hugely influential, and he is continuing what should be seen as a strong turnaround in his status at Craven Cottage, having appeared to be heading for Monaco last summer.
Tosin was an England youth international at U16, U17, U18 and U19 levels and once one of Manchester City's brightest prospects, talked up by Pep Guardiola. At Fulham, he was integral to two promotion seasons and their survival in the top flight under Marco Silva.
appeared to be heading for Monaco last summer.
Fulham FC
Tosin joined the Club on deadline day at the start of the 2020/21 season, and quickly established himself as a key member of Scott Parker’s side.
appeared to be heading for Monaco last summer.
While that campaign ended in disappointment, the following year was far more prosperous, with Tosin named in the PFA & EFL Teams of the Season as Fulham won the league.
appeared to be heading for Monaco last summer.
He continued to be a regular presence in our backline as the team comfortably secured Premier League safety in each of the subsequent two campaigns.
appeared to be heading for Monaco last summer.
Tosin also chipped in with his share of goals, scoring five times in his 132 matches.
We would like to thank all of Fulham’s departing players for their efforts over the years, and wish them the best of luck in their next chapters.