Tottenham Hotspur have bolstered their backline in the final hours of the window with a deal that takes their spending close to £400m.
It appeared as if the rebuild of the Spurs backline had been completed at the start of the summer, and the club’s focus would be on improving their attack in the final week of the window.
However, the club’s plans were disrupted when Kevin Danso informed Roberto De Zerbi of his desire to leave a few days ago, with just days left in the transfer window.
Sunderland then agreed a loan deal with Spurs for Danso, with an obligation to buy the centre-back for around £25m next summer.
Tottenham announce signing of Tosin Adarabioyo from Chelsea
It emerged on Tuesday that Spurs had agreed a deal to sign Tosin Adarabioyo from their London rivals for £7m plus add-ons.
That takes Tottenham’s spend this summer up to £389 million, with £254.8 million made from sales, leaving their net spend for the summer at £134.2 million.
Tottenham have now announced that Tosin, who the Lilywhites first showed an interest in two years ago, has now officially completed a deadline-day move to North London.
The versatile defender made 70 appearances across his two seasons at Chelsea, scoring seven goals for the Blues.
Tottenham wrote: ‘We are delighted to announce the signing of Tosin Adarabioyo. The 28-year-old centre-back joins us from Chelsea and brings with him a wealth of Premier League experience.’
Why Adarabioyo fills some key holes in the Spurs squad
Many Spurs fans feel that the former Fulham man is a big downgrade on Danso, and there is no doubt that the Austrian is much better at winning duels.
However, despite his struggles at Chelsea, we know that Adarabioyo is much better on the ball than Danso, and could thus be a better fit for De Zerbi’s system in possession.
The Englishman will not only be Tottenham’s fourth-choice centre-back, but he could also cover at right-back for Pedro Porro, with Archie Grey yet to convince in that position.