Benfica Explore Loan Move For Nigerian-Born Chelsea Centre-Back

Benfica Explore Loan Move For Nigerian-Born Chelsea Centre-Back

By BSN Sports 

Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Portuguese giants Benfica, with the club considering a move for the centre-back as they reshape their defence, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The 28-year-old has featured prominently during Chelsea’s pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, appearing in four of the club’s five matches. He played the full 90 minutes in Sunday’s 3-3 draw with Johor Darul Ta'zim and has accumulated 208 minutes during the tour.

Despite his involvement in pre-season, Adarabioyo is reportedly not considered a first-choice option under new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, with the defender believed to be behind several teammates in the central-defence pecking order.

Chelsea are therefore understood to be open to offers for Adarabioyo should the right proposal arrive.

Silva Reunion Could Influence Benfica Interest

According to Portuguese publication Correio da Manhã, Benfica are considering Adarabioyo as a potential defensive reinforcement, with manager Marco Silva reportedly keen on a reunion with the player.

Silva worked with Adarabioyo during their time together at Fulham, where the centre-back developed into an important member of the first-team squad.

Adarabioyo left Fulham in 2024 after his contract expired and subsequently joined Chelsea as a free agent. He has since made 70 appearances for the London club across two seasons.

His familiarity with Silva's methods could make him an attractive option for Benfica as they look to strengthen their defence following the departure of Antonio Silva, who has joined Bournemouth.

Loan Proposal Could Complicate Deal

One potential stumbling block is Benfica's preferred structure for the deal.

The Portuguese club are reportedly interested in taking Adarabioyo on loan with an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season, rather than committing to an immediate permanent transfer.

That proposal could allow Chelsea to generate a loan fee in the short term while retaining the possibility of a permanent sale later.

Chelsea, however, may prefer a permanent transfer, particularly after signing Adarabioyo without paying a transfer fee. A sale would therefore represent a direct financial return for the club.

The situation could also be influenced by Chelsea's efforts to remain compliant with the Premier League's and UEFA's financial regulations, making player sales an important part of their squad-management strategy.

For now, Adarabioyo remains a Chelsea player, but Benfica's reported interest could provide the defender with an opportunity to reunite with Silva and take on a new challenge in Portugal.