Tosin Adarabioyo in-depth scout report: Newcastle interest, playing style, Man City background, transfer strategy & more

Newcastle United are closing in on their first arrival of the summer transfer window - according to reports. Tosin Adarabioyo, Fulham’s 6ft 5in centre-back, is up for grabs on a free transfer and, in an FFP/PSR-dominated world, the Magpies are ready to pounce.

Adarabioyo is understood to be seeking a move, with Fulham helpless to let him go. Hefty £100,000 per week wages have been touted but this is the price clubs must pay given the lack of transfer fee.

Would he be a good addition? What has the 26-year-old achieved? Any flaws? His playing style? NewcastleWorld has profiled what Toon supporters can expect should Adarabioyo arrive on Tyneside.

Background

Born and raised in Manchester, Adarabioyo has played for England at under-16, under-17, under-18 and under-19 level. He is also able to represent Nigeria through his parents, an option the defender has hinted at if an England opportunity never arises.

The defender first played for famous Manchester junior club Fletcher Moss Rangers, renowned for producing Wes Brown, Jesse Lingard, Ravel Morrison and Marcus Rashford. He later received a world-class footballing education, being scouted by Manchester City aged five and spending 17 years at the club. 

Being nurtured under Pep Guardiola’s machine has given him the platform to forge an established career. Adarabioyo impressed on loan at West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers before joining Fulham for a cut-price fee four years ago. 

Playing style

Given his City background, Adarabioyo is hardly going to be a slouch with the ball at his feet. At 6ft 5in, he is also capable of handling himself in duels and one-on-one situations. 

Interceptions and reading the game to snuff out opposition attacks are viewed as key staples of his game. Adarabioyo has won more aerial duels (66.7 per cent), has a better tackle success rate (57.1 per cent) and higher pass completion (84.5 per cent) than Fabian Schar (50.4 per cent, 43.6 per cent and 82.9 per cent), although the Swiss international comes up trumps on recoveries, take-ons and blocks.

Where would he fit in?

Newcastle are desperately in need of defensive reinforcements this summer. Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are set to miss the bulk of 2024 with ACL injuries - leaving Schar and Dan Burn as the only first-team options.

An argument could be made that the Magpies needed a centre-back before the injury crisis took its toll. Schar and Burn are turning 33 and 32 - hardly conducive to a pacy backline. 

Adarabioyo would likely arrive as a backup who can push for a first-team spot. His rumoured pay packet means Eddie Howe has faith in him long term and, given the Toon boss’ track record, he could develop into a top Premier League defender on Tyneside.

Achievements

Adarabioyo won the Championship with Fulham in 2021-22 and was named in the division’s Team of the Season as a result. A previous association with Man City usually entails mountains of silverware but he only made eight appearances for his boyhood club, with none coming in the Premier League.

Newcastle would be the next step in a career that, so far, has not followed the well-travelled path. Now entering his prime, Adarabioyo’s summer move is arguably the most important.

Transfer strategy

Fans are sick of hearing about FFP/PSR ahead of every window. This one is no different - with Newcastle’s financial chickens coming home to roost in the coming months. 

A frugal January transfer window - combined with points deductions elsewhere - made Toon supporters realise that the consequences are real. Before that, warnings about not being able to splash the cash had fallen on deaf ears.

A huge plus to signing Adarabioyo is the lack of a transfer fee. How many players with a Man City upbringing and Premier League experience can Newcastle sign for nothing? Not to mention his age and ability…

This would be a shrewd piece of business from Newcastle. Should he arrive, funds can be saved for areas that require deeper wallets - namely a right-sided attacker.