Super Eagles target nears N12b move as Tottenham, Chelsea end 17-year transfer silence
Retold by Oddsrama · 1 September 2026
/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.soccernet.ng%2Fmain%2F2025%2F09%2Fimago1065424827-scaled.jpg)
Tosin Adarabioyo is on the verge of completing a shock transfer from Chelsea to Tottenham, with the two London rivals agreeing a deal worth roughly £7m (around N12.7 billion) plus add-ons for the 28-year-old centre-back. The Super Eagles target has already put pen to paper on personal terms and is set for a medical before deadline day closes the Premier League window at 11pm BST on Tuesday, 1 September. This move marks a landmark moment—the first direct transfer between the two fierce rivals since goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini left Stamford Bridge for White Hart Lane in January 2009, a gap of more than 17 years.
Adarabioyo arrives at Spurs during a defensive reshuffle under manager Roberto De Zerbi. Tottenham have already lost captain Cristian Romero to Atletico Madrid and are pushing Kevin Danso out the door to Sunderland, leaving the club hungry for experience at the back. The 1.97m-tall defender brings exactly what Spurs need: a right-footed centre-back with genuine Premier League pedigree, strong aerial dominance, and ball-playing ability from deep. His spell at Chelsea, however, has disappointed. Despite signing a four-year contract from Fulham in 2024, Adarabioyo failed to nail down a starting role and wasn't even in the Blues' matchday squad for either of their opening league games this season.
Nigeria's football family has long courted the Londoner born to Nigerian parents. Adarabioyo represented England at youth level but has never worn the Three Lions senior shirt—leaving the international door wide open. He's publicly expressed willingness to represent the Super Eagles, though his club career has remained the focus. A move to Tottenham, where he'll have genuine opportunity to play regular football, could be the platform that finally tips his decision toward Nigeria. For betting purposes, his arrival bolsters Spurs' defensive options significantly, potentially improving their clean-sheet odds as De Zerbi's side fights for European qualification. If Adarabioyo rediscovers his form in North London, it's a genuine win for all parties involved.
Related stories
Oddsrama retells the day's football news in our own words, with full credit to the source. 18+. Play responsibly.