Premier League club issue issue official statement after Newcastle United U-turn and medical

Fulham have confirmed Tosin Adarabioyo is leaving on a free transfer ahead of being announced as a Chelsea player.

Newcastle United had been clear frontrunners to sign the defender after positive talks led to a contract offer. That was until Chelsea swooped in and offered more lucrative terms.

Adarabioyo officially accepted the Blues’ offer over the weekend and on Tuesday arrived back in West London from his holiday to undergo his medical. As he completes the formalities, Fulham have announced his departure.

A statement read: “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.

“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.

“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. Tosin also chipped in with his share of goals, scoring five times in his 132 matches.”

The Cottagers then posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, thanking the 26-year-old.

Although Newcastle have missed out on the former Manchester City defender, they are expected to secure at least one free agent deal this summer with Lloyd Kelly set to join from AFC Bournemouth in the coming weeks.

The former England under-21s international, who can operate at centre-back or left-back, is well known to Eddie Howe after he signed him from Bristol City in 2019. He has appeared 141 times for the Cherries and was captain when they were promoted back to the Premier League in 2021-22.