AC Milan decided to postpone the signing of another centre-back until the summer transfer window and one of the names high on their list is Tosin Adarabioyo of Fulham.
As Calciomercato.com write, Milan have circled Adarabioyo’s name in red in view of June, when his contract with Fulham will expire thus making him available on a free transfer.
Having come through the Manchester City academy, the 1.96m tall central defender may well choose to try a new experience at the end of the season and Geoffrey Moncada certainly appreciates his qualities.
Born in Manchester to Nigerian parents, Adarabioyo has a brother who is a footballer: Fisayo, a striker in the Dutch second division. His career began with City (when he was still 6 years old, in 2003) and with the Citizens he made his first team debut thanks to Pellegrini in 2016.
A few months later he also made his debut in the Champions League with Pep Guardiola, in a match against Steaua Bucharest. In 2018 he went on loan to West Bromwich and then to Blackburn, before the definitive sale to Fulham in the summer of 2020, for €2m.
That would prove to be the right move for him in terms of playing time, with 117 games played for the London club, plus four goals and two assists across all competitions.
His imposing physique, combined with physical strength and great ability in aerial duels are the main characteristics of the centre-back. However, he has speed both in striding out with the ball and recovery pace.
Adarabioyo true leader as also underlined by his head coach Marco Silva, who recently welcomed him back after the defender had been out of action for three months due to a groin problem.
“He’s one of the leader in our dressing room, a special player. For the way he knows how to defend the area, but also for the way he goes on the ball and the way he knows how to build out,” he said.
He can play either in a back four or as an outside centre-back in a three-man defence, meaning Adarabioyo is flexible in every situation. Milan knows this and are studying him for the summer.