Tosin Adarabioyo reveals De Zerbi and Solanke influence behind Tottenham move

Tosin Adarabioyo has revealed how conversations with Roberto De Zerbi and close friend Dominic Solanke convinced him to join Tottenham from Chelsea.

The 29-year-old completed his move across London on Tuesday after making 70 appearances for Chelsea, where he occasionally captained the side and won the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup in 2025.

After experiencing Tottenham's facilities for himself, Adarabioyo says he has already been struck by the “magnitude of the club” and believes De Zerbi's football can suit him perfectly.

Adarabioyo believes he has arrived at an important stage of his career and explained that his conversations with De Zerbi played a significant part in the decision.

“Speaking to Roberto and knowing the type of football he wants to play, I think it's very fitting,” he said.

The defender was particularly impressed by De Zerbi's tactical ideas and believes courage in possession will be essential to succeeding in the Italian's system.

“It takes a lot of courage to play the way the gaffer wants us to play,” he added.

Adarabioyo arrives with considerable Premier League experience following spells with Manchester City, Fulham, Chelsea and loan periods at West Brom and Blackburn.

Dominic Solanke also played an important role.

Adarabioyo described the Tottenham striker as “probably one of my best friends, especially in football”, with their relationship stretching back to England's youth teams.

“He said this is the place to be,” Adarabioyo explained.

The defender is now particularly excited about playing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time and having it as his home ground.

Adarabioyo also arrives alongside former Chelsea teammate Mykhailo Mudryk, who joined Tottenham on loan.

He described Mudryk as a “workhorse” and believes his previous relationship with De Zerbi at Shakhtar Donetsk could help the Ukrainian settle quickly.

For Adarabioyo, the objective is now to bring experience and a winning mentality to a Tottenham squad undergoing a major rebuild.

Adarabioyo will now begin competing for a place in Tottenham's defence following Kevin Danso's Deadline Day departure to Sunderland.

His experience could prove valuable in a heavily rebuilt Spurs squad, while his comfort in possession should give De Zerbi another option for implementing his demanding style from the back.