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.
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 £117m fee makes Rogers a club-record signing.
DISCUSS: In this current market, Rogers is a bargain 👀
He also becomes the most expensive Englishman after Man City paid £116m for Elliot Anderson. On the world stage, Rogers is now the fourth-most expensive transfer of all time, with Neymar still at the top.
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’s decision to keep defender Tosin this summer.
Chelsea fans know why Xabi Alonso is keeping Tosin Adarabioyo
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.
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.
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.
Tosin and Palmer are known to be extremely close, and it is no secret that one of Alonso’s biggest tasks at Chelsea will be getting the best out of Palmer again. Keeping Tosin could be a tactic to help Palmer.
“Only cause he’s Palmer’s mate”, 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.
One fan even suggested “Tosin is a clause in Palmer’s contract at this point”, with many of the belief that Tosin is not good enough for Chelsea and a sale is required. Another said: “Unc isn’t going anywhere.
More continued: “As a babysitter, Cole Palmer has a lot of power at Chelsea,” while another posted this evening, “Palmer is saving Tosin”. Chelsea fans have made their mind up, Tosin is only staying for Palmer.
Where will Tosin rank in Chelsea’s centre-back options?
As things stand, Colwill is first choice. The left-footed England star is without doubt Chelsea’s best centre-back. Chalobah looks set for a move to Como, while Acheampong and Hato will provide flank options.
Chelsea have 10 centre-backs – who are YOU getting rid of? ❌
Colwill and Acheampong are 'untouchable'.
- Josh Acheampong
- Levi Colwill
- Jorrel Hato
- Wesley Fofana
- Trevoh Chalobah
- Mamadou Sarr
- Benoit Badiashile
- Aaron Anselmino
- Tosin Adarabioyo
- Axel Disasi
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.
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.
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