Chelsea are ready to let Tosin Adarabioyo go this summer, and Benfica see a familiar face as the perfect fit to reunite with in Lisbon.
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Super Eagles defender Tosin Adarabioyo has attracted interest from Portuguese giants Benfica, with Chelsea willing to sanction a permanent departure as manager Xabi Alonso looks to trim down an oversized central defensive unit.
According to the BBC, Chelsea would consider a sale for the 28-year-old if a valuation of around £15 million is met. Alonso is understood to be cutting his pool of central defenders from an initial nine down to four or five, with fellow defenders Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile also among those made available this summer.
Benfica’s interest carries a personal dimension too. Benfica boss Marco Silva previously managed Adarabioyo during his time at Fulham and is keen on a reunion, with the Portuguese club able to offer UEFA Europa League football as an added incentive if their valuation is met. Fans following the Nigerian defender’s next move can check Bet9ja’s current promo code as the transfer situation develops.
Adarabioyo’s rise through English football began at Manchester City, where he became the youngest player ever to start a Champions League match for the club, before loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers. He went on to help Fulham win promotion to the Premier League and later collected the EFL Championship Team of the Season award, before joining Chelsea on a free transfer in July 2024.
What makes Adarabioyo particularly significant for Nigerian fans is a decision he made just last year. Despite representing England across four youth age groups and earning 14 caps between Under 16 and Under 19 level, he officially committed his international future to Nigeria in August 2025, joining a growing list of England youth internationals who have switched allegiance, including Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina. New Bet9ja users following Nigeria’s defensive options can check how to get the Bet9ja promotion code before the next international window.
Adarabioyo has spoken openly about the Nigerian heritage behind that decision. “We’re very much a Nigerian family, and it was a Nigerian upbringing, whether that’s through the food or the traditional way we were raised,” he said in an interview with Chelsea’s official website, reflecting on how his background shaped him both on and off the pitch.
His time at Chelsea has been solid without becoming a guaranteed starting role. He featured in 16 Premier League games last season along with limited Champions League minutes, dealing with minor injury setbacks throughout, and has generally operated as a composed, ball-playing option in a rotational rather than undisputed capacity. Punters following his potential move to Portugal can check Bet9ja’s YOHAIG code as talks progress.
A move to Benfica would give Adarabioyo the kind of regular football and continental European exposure that’s been harder to guarantee at Stamford Bridge, and reuniting with a manager who already knows his game well in Silva only strengthens the appeal on both sides.
📌 Did You Know?
- Adarabioyo’s full name is Abdul-Nasir Oluwatosin Oluwadoyinsolami Adarabioyo.
- He became the youngest player to start a UEFA Champions League match for Manchester City when he made his debut for the club.
- He represented England at Under-16 through Under-19 level, earning 14 youth caps, without ever being capped by the senior team.
- Adarabioyo helped Fulham win promotion to the Premier League and later won the EFL Championship Team of the Season award.
- He officially committed his international future to Nigeria in August 2025.
- Benfica head coach Marco Silva previously managed Adarabioyo at Fulham.
- Adarabioyo stands 6ft 5in, or 1.96 metres, tall.
