Chelsea have announced the signing of Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Tosin joins Chelsea as a free agent after his contract at Fulham ran out this month, and he has become the first signing of the Enzo Maresca’s era at Stamford Bridge.

The 26-year-old has signed a four-year deal to become Chelsea’s first signing of the summer.

The Blues saw off a late challenge from Manchester United for his signature after hijacking his signing from Newcastle United.

Tosin is delighted to join Chelsea and expressed his desire to help return the club to its desired heights.

He 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 was born in London but raised in Manchester. He began his career with Man City at the age of five. He moved through the club’s youth ranks and regularly captained the Under-18s when he was 16 years old.

He is eligible to play for Nigeria despite representing England at youth level.

It is understood that Tosin is a replacement for Thiago Silva, who left the club at the end of the season to join Fluminese in Brazil.

Tosin will team up with Nigeria-eligible stars like Carney Chukwuemeka, Noni Madueke and Lesley Ugochukwu at Stamford Bridge.