{"id":19381,"date":"2026-07-20T22:46:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T22:46:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=19381"},"modified":"2026-07-20T22:46:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T22:46:19","slug":"chelsea-fans-think-they-know-the-real-reason-why-xabi-alonso-is-keeping-tosin-adarabioyo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=19381","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea fans think they know the real reason why Xabi Alonso is keeping Tosin Adarabioyo"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"\"\/ Add as preferred source on Google<\/span> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

The news that Morgan Rogers is set to join Chelsea has come as a surprise, given the Blues lack any form of European football. But an even bigger shock could be the Blues keeping Tosin Adarabioyo.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rogers has put pen to paper on a six-year deal at Chelsea with the option of a further year, potentially keeping him at Stamford Bridge until June 2033. A \u00a3117m fee makes Rogers a club-record signing.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
<\/header>\n
\n
\n
\n

DISCUSS: In this current market, Rogers is a bargain \ud83d\udc40<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

He also becomes the most expensive Englishman after Man City paid \u00a3116m for Elliot Anderson. On the world stage, Rogers is now the fourth-most expensive transfer of all time, with Neymar still at the top.<\/p>\n

His arrival comes as a very welcome surprise to Chelsea supporters. But with Rogers set to sign, another shock has emerged out of Chelsea and it is Xabi Alonso\u2019s decision to keep defender Tosin this summer.<\/p>\n

Chelsea fans know why Xabi Alonso is keeping Tosin Adarabioyo<\/h2>\n

The former Fulham and Man City defender struggled during the 2025-26 season, as did many of the other centre-backs on the books at Chelsea. As things stand, Chelsea have a whopping 10 centre-backs.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Tosin<\/div>
Photo by Darren Walsh\/Chelsea FC via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Levi Colwill, Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato will stay. There is a plan in place for Aaron Anselmino, but Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Tosin, Mamadou Sarr, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi could all leave.<\/p>\n

But BBC Sport reporter Nizaar Kinsella claims Chelsea and Alonso may keep Tosin for his experience. However, amid the reports, Chelsea fans think they know the real reason for keeping the defender.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

More like, they want to keep Cole palmer happy so they not getting rid of one of his best mates.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Mayowa Emeya (@dark_mayo7) July 20, 2026<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Tosin and Palmer are known to be extremely close, and it is no secret that one of Alonso\u2019s biggest tasks at Chelsea will be getting the best out of Palmer again. Keeping Tosin could be a tactic to help Palmer.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly cause he\u2019s Palmer\u2019s mate\u201d, was the reaction of another Chelsea fan. The Blues fanbase reacted in their drones with many questioning the decision to keep him, while others pointed to the friendship.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Him being friends with palmer is actually saving him lol<\/p>\n

\u2014 Jamal Edwards (@jamaledwards141) July 20, 2026<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

One fan even suggested \u201cTosin is a clause in Palmer\u2019s contract at this point\u201d, with many of the belief that Tosin is not good enough for Chelsea and a sale is required. Another said: \u201cUnc isn\u2019t going anywhere.<\/p>\n

More continued: \u201cAs a babysitter, Cole Palmer has a lot of power at Chelsea,\u201d while another posted this evening, \u201cPalmer is saving Tosin\u201d. Chelsea fans have made their mind up, Tosin is only staying for Palmer.<\/p>\n

Where will Tosin rank in Chelsea\u2019s centre-back options?<\/h2>\n

As things stand, Colwill is first choice. The left-footed England star is without doubt Chelsea\u2019s best centre-back. Chalobah looks set for a move to Como, while Acheampong and Hato will provide flank options.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/header>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Chelsea have 10 centre-backs \u2013 who are YOU getting rid of? \u274c<\/h3>\n

Colwill and Acheampong are ‘untouchable’.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Wesley<\/div>
Photo by Alex Pantling\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \n
  • <\/svg>Josh Acheampong<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • <\/svg>Levi Colwill<\/li>\n
  • <\/svg>Jorrel Hato<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • <\/svg>Wesley Fofana<\/li>\n
  • <\/svg>Trevoh Chalobah<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • <\/svg>Mamadou Sarr<\/li>\n
  • <\/svg>Benoit Badiashile<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • <\/svg>Aaron Anselmino<\/li>\n
  • <\/svg>Tosin Adarabioyo<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • <\/svg>Axel Disasi<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

    If Alonso plays with a three at the back, Hato and Acheampong, as well as Reece James, will surely play either side of a central defender. Maxence Lacroix looks set to join Chelsea in the coming weeks, as well.<\/p>\n

    Chelsea will be open to offers for Disasi, Fofana, Sarr and Badiashile with Chalobah going. So, where does Tosin rank? Certainly, he will do well to be fifth or sixth choice and without Europe, game time is lacking.<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    \n
    <\/svg><\/p>\n
    Join Our Newsletter<\/span><\/p>\n

    Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n