Newcastle United have officially missed out on Tosin Adarabioyo to Chelsea.
The 26-year-old has now been unveiled as a Chelsea player, with the defender deciding to swap Craven Cottage for Stamford Bridge.
That is despite the fact that Newcastle United thought he was coming to St James’ Park on a free transfer. The club were confident about signing Tosin, only for the centre-back to opt for Chelsea instead.
It is disappointing for the Magpies, who were hoping to sign two Premier League calibre centre-backs on free transfers. Instead, they are only set to get one, with Lloyd Kelly due to arrive from Bournemouth.
Tosin’s decision disrupts Newcastle’s transfer plans, and it will be interesting to see what the club does next given their desire to sign a right-sided centre-back.
Tosin Adarabioyo was not Newcastle United’s top centre-back target
However, HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey has explained to Geordie Boot Boys why missing out on Tosin might not be the biggest blow in the world to Newcastle as they ponder their next move.
“I always thought Lloyd Kelly was more likely,” he said.
“From what I’m told, Newcastle did want Tosin – of course they did, he was a big part of their plans – but Eddie Howe always wanted Lloyd Kelly. He was the manager’s first choice. It’s not to say he didn’t want Tosin, but Kelly was his first choice.
“It would have been easier for Tosin to get minutes at Newcastle, but Chelsea in London is a big draw for some people. It also means he does not have to relocate.
“For Newcastle, they now move on to other targets. The free agent thing ticked a lot of boxes for Newcastle, as it meant they could put money into other places. It was an ideal scenario.
“There are options out there. I think they will get Kelly in then they will assess it. They will not panic, and they do not need to panic. Would I be surprised if they did not bring another centre-back in? Not massively.”
How Tosin’s decision impacts Newcastle United’s transfer plans
It seems like Newcastle United’s move for Tosin was opportunistic. Obviously, he is a talented player, and the fact that he was available on a free transfer was very appealing.
But would Newcastle have moved for him if he was not set to become a free agent? Possibly not.
However, his decision to go elsewhere will impact what happens at Newcastle United during the rest of the summer transfer window. A right-sided centre-back is wanted, but a deal may depend on the rest of the Magpies’ business.
Obviously, the budget will only stretch so far, with the club also keen to bring in a winger, a striker and a goalkeeper. Now they need to factor in spending money on a defender, which was not initially set to be the case when Tosin was expected to arrive on a free.
It would not be a surprise if Newcastle suspend the search for another centre-back until later in the window, when they know how much money they have left to spend. It also would not be a surprise if Eddie Howe sticks with what he has got, and waits for a future transfer window to sign what should be Sven Botman’s long-term partner at the back.
Tosin was an opportunistic transfer that has slipped through Newcastle’s fingers, but it certainly is not the end of the world.
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