Newcastle United’s transfer window got off to something of a poor start.
Indeed, while it is expected to be a reasonably busy summer for Newcastle, things did not get off to a flyer.
It is of course positive that Lloyd Kelly appears to be closing in on a move to St James’ Park and on a free transfer no less.
A Premier League-proven defender already familiar with Eddie Howe and his methods during their time together on the south coast, that feels like a coup given there’s no transfer fee.
However, it would be foolish to suggest missing out on Tosin Adarabioyo is not a blow.
Whether or not it has a huge impact on Newcastle’s season remains to be seen but it is pretty galling to see the 26-year-old end up elsewhere.
There had been a confidence about landing the defender on a free transfer after positive talks between the two parties.
Still, Chelsea ultimately hijacked the deal and Adarabioyo has now shared more insight into what helped the Blues in their successful pursuit.
Tosin Adarabioyo reveals who he spoke to before rejecting Newcastle for Chelsea
After signing a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge, Adarabioyo confirmed Chelsea forwards Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling helped convince him to make the short trip across west London.
He played with both at Manchester City of course and said (via the club’s official website): “Before confirming the move, I gave Raz and Cole a call and they had nothing but positive things to say about the club and the project, and how excited they were that I was coming to the club.
“Cole is younger than me but I remember him from younger days alongside a few of the other boys that I’ve met along the way like Ben Chilwell – Chilly and I were both captains in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals. I also know Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja because he spent time at Fulham.”
Newcastle proved they would not be held to ransom over Tosin Adarabioyo
Clearly, missing out on a player there was once confidence about signing is a blow.
Still, the Newcastle owners proved they will not be taken for a ride. It is believed they had the chance to submit a counter offer to the player after Chelsea moved ahead in the race but stuck by their initial valuation of the deal.
Frustrating in the short term but that kind of careful management will surely reap rewards in the future…
The post Tosin Adarabioyo names the two players he spoke to before rejecting Newcastle for Chelsea appeared first on Geordie Boot Boys.