Release clauses are an important factor in the transfer negotiations of any player, something that is going to come into play when Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo will be available for sale for a fee as little as £10 million this summer.
As per the Daily Mail, the Nigerian center-back is available for a cut-price fee this summer with Arsenal and Newcastle United surrounding to secure the player’s signature.
Adarabioyo bargain at £10 million:
Fulham, although finishing in the bottom three of the Premier League and getting relegated did manage to keep a solid defence under Scott Parker. Six teams conceded more in the Premier League than the West London club, and Tosin Adarabioyo was a huge part of it.
While Joachim Anderson played an incredible role, Tosin Adarabioyo was the brick wall at the back for Fulham. The defender made 34 appearances in all competitions for the Cottagers and led that defence brilliantly.
Scott Parker wanted his team to play out from the back, and Adarabioyo was a key part of this, as the defender had a pass completion rate of 88%, something very close to Harry Maguire and Ruben Dias’ passing feats this season. The defender also recorded the most clearances in the Premier League (193) and the fastest sprint time of any central defender.
While Fulham’s full-backs would have averaged more interceptions than Adarabioyo, the Nigerian was still completing 1.5 interceptions per 90 minutes in a team that had little defensive cover in front of it.
Thus, there is a valid case to be made Adarabioyo’s quality should he play in a more competent team. Should Arsenal secure the signing of Yves Bissouma or Ruben Neves, they can provide plenty of cover alongside Thomas Partey to a defender like Adarbioyo, who can change the complexion of the game by himself. Young center-backs are a hard find these days and securing their signature can be a gruelling affair as no under-23 player signs for anything less than a £30 million fee these days, something Liverpool found out when they had to cough out £36 million for Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig.
Tosin Adarabioyo not only has the experience of playing in England but also in the Premier League and he managed to excel under a less than impressive Fulham side. His built up play, aerial ability, and passing range can open a lot of doors for many Premier League clubs as they lack a solid man in defence who has a calm persona. Most of England’s top teams comprise of such players, namely Ruben Dias at Man City, Thiago Silva at Chelsea, Virgil Van Dijk at Liverpool, and Harry Maguire at Manchester United.
Regardless of who signs Adarbioyo, it will probably be the signing of the summer for that club as £10 million for a player of his ilk is an incredible business.
Who will sign Tosin Adarabioyo?
As per reports, both Arsenal and Newcastle are interested in the player and both make valid cases for themselves. While Newcastle can guarantee Adarabioyo a starting role week in and week out, Arsenal can offer the prestige of their club and substantial game-time.
However, Arsenal might be the frontrunners in this deal if they do end up signing good players and build a compelling project to present to Adarabioyo. Moreover, the Gunners will be more than willing to spend £10 million for the defender as soon as possible, as this release clause expires 30 days before the start of the Championship season, which is set to commence on August 7th.
Thus, Adarabioyo suitors have a month to sign the player on a bargain, and should they manage to do so, it will be one of the signings of the summer.
