For all the talk of Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly arriving on a free to beef up our left-sided options at the back, there’s another Premier League bargain waiting to be had this summer.
That’s Tosin Adarabioyo, the Fulham centre-back who ticks so many boxes for a Newcastle squad crying out for defensive reinforcements.
The former Man City talent is out of contract at the end of the season. Not only does he present a real bargain, his profile is likely to appeal to Eddie Howe. He’s not the long-term replacement for Fabian Schar we’ll be looking to land in time, but he’s an upgrade on Jamaal Lascelles, who is not only set for nine months on the sidelines but entering the final 12 months of his contract on Tyneside.
Adarabioyo stands 6ft 5 and is dominant in the air, but he’s no slouch either, offering the sort of pace and athleticism our back four has often lacked this season. He’s also comfortable on the ball and can pick a pass or carry it into space.
At 26, he’s at a good age with his best years ahead of him, but he’s also Premier League proven, playing 75 times in the top flight. It’s also worth noting he has a considerably better injury record and Lloyd Kelly, who has struggled to stay fit once again this season.
Newcastle are in need of a rebuild this summer and at least two centre-backs are surely needed after serious knee injuries to Botman and Lascelles. With FFP a constant issue to overcome, Tosin could allow us to bring in a competent defender with plenty room to improve without breaking the budget.
One to watch this summer and during tomorrow’s game, where we’ll see him in action against Alexander Isak at Craven Cottage.
Lloyd Kelly LCB
Tosin RCB
Get Both
PremAndUp(Quote)
I think we need to recognise that right now we are in a transitional phase until we can regularly rely on higher revenue from all sources.
Until we improve that further, we need to enhance the quality & depth of our squad (I’m not talking star first 11), improving extra options. Kelly & Adarabioyo would both include the quality & depth we currently have, get them both in on free’s!
Alex(Quote)
My concern with Kelly is his injury record the last 2 seasons
Porkpie(Quote)
Kelly is never fit, I wish the club would stop being linked with him.
We need players who are going to be available not in the physios room ☹️
David(Quote)