West Ham United eye winter move for Nigeria-eligible defender after just six months at Chelsea

One-time UEFA Conference League winners, West Ham United, are eyeing a loan move for Chelsea and Nigeria-eligible centre back, Tosin Adarabioyo, when the transfer window opens, Soccernet.ng reports.

Tosin joined Enzo Maresca’s Blues in July after exiting Fulham without renewing his contract. While he was heavily linked with Manchester United, he put pen to paper with Chelsea.

However, the former Fulham defender has played second fiddle in Chelsea’s back four since the start of the season. While he’s started all of his side’s UEFA Conference League games, he’s played in just five English Premier League games from all fourteen he could’ve been involved in.

As per Foot Mercato, West Ham United are determined to strengthen their defensive side as they’ve conceded 27 goals from 14 league games under Julen Lopetuigi.

The Hammers are interested in Tosin, as they view him as a player that suits their style. The Englishman is under contract at the Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2028, hinting it’ll be a difficult deal for the London-based side to pull off as the lanky defender is still relatively new at the club.

With a loan move the likely option, it is reported that Adarabioyo could be tempted by a new challenge, and even more importantly, an increase in playing time.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, it is believed Tosin is trying to be as consistent as possible with his game, with the hopes of getting called up to the England national team, and if not, the Super Eagles of Nigeria.