As speculation continues to swirl around the future of England-Nigerian defender Tosin Adarabioyo at Craven Cottage, Fulham FC is rumored to be considering the acquisition of a right-sided central defender in the upcoming January transfer window according to All Nigerian Soccer.
Tosin Adarabioyo, the 26-year-old Manchester City academy product, is set to enter the final six months of his contract with Fulham at the dawn of the new year. His name has frequently surfaced in transfer rumors, with both Tottenham Hotspur and French Ligue 1 outfit AS Monaco expressing interest in the player during the summer transfer window.
In the weeks leading up to the closure of the summer transfer window, it appeared Tosin was keen on a move away from Fulham. However, the Cottagers opted to block his transfer, primarily because they were unable to secure a suitable replacement for the talented central defender.
Football Insider, a reliable source for transfer-related news, reports that Fulham is now actively looking for a right-sided center-back in the January transfer window, fully anticipating Tosin Adarabioyo’s imminent departure.
The urgency for reinforcements in this area is heightened by the club’s current injury crisis among their right-sided central defenders. Both Tosin Adarabioyo and Issa Diop are sidelined due to injuries, leaving Fulham short of options in that position.
A recent match against Tottenham Hotspur highlighted Fulham’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the absence of natural right-sided central defenders. In this fixture, left-footed Super Eagles central defender Calvin Bassey was deployed on the right side of the central defense. Unfortunately, his unfamiliarity with the role led to errors that directly contributed to the two goals conceded by Fulham in the match.
Tosin Adarabioyo’s playing time this season has also been restricted due to a groin injury that required surgery. The good news is that the 26-year-old has already commenced partial training, and it is expected that he will be available for selection following the international break in November.
Fulham will be keen to address their right-sided central defensive concerns as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the league. The January transfer window is shaping up to be a critical period for the club, with potential departures and arrivals likely to have a significant impact on their defensive stability.
According to Transfermarkt Tosin Adarabioyo’s current estimated transfer value is €12 million.