Tosin Adarabioyo completes 90 minutes for Chelsea amid Benfica links

Tosin Adarabioyo played the full match as Chelsea drew 3-3 with Johor Darul Ta’zim FC, despite continued speculation that the Nigeria-eligible defender could leave Stamford Bridge for Benfica.

The centre-back started in the middle of Chelsea’s defence alongside Aaron Anselmino and Olutayo Subulayo, with the Blues fielding an inexperienced combination around the former Fulham player.

Adarabioyo still delivered a composed performance in Malaysia, making four clearances and four recoveries during the game. He also contributed at the other end of the pitch, registering two shots on target as Chelsea scored three times.

A brace from former Ipswich striker Liam Delap, together with an own goal by Antonio Cristian, helped Chelsea claim a share of the goals in an entertaining match.

The appearance came as uncertainty continues over Adarabioyo’s future at Chelsea. He joined the club as a free agent from Fulham in the summer of 2024 but has found it difficult to establish himself as a regular member of the first team since moving to Stamford Bridge.

The former Manchester City defender has reportedly attracted interest from Benfica. The Portuguese club is regarded as a possible destination, where Adarabioyo could be reunited with his former Fulham manager Marco Silva.

With only a few days left before the new campaign begins, Adarabioyo will be hoping to resolve his situation and regain his best form after a challenging spell at Chelsea.

His full-match involvement against Johor Darul Ta’zim FC provides further evidence of his readiness to compete for a place, although speculation over a possible transfer remains unresolved. His performance included both defensive reliability and an attacking threat, despite the relative inexperience of the defenders operating alongside him.

Adarabioyo has represented England at several youth levels but remains eligible to play for the Super Eagles. He has not made a senior appearance for the Three Lions, meaning he is still able to choose Nigeria at international level.

The defender’s eligibility has kept him on the radar as a potential option for the Super Eagles, while his club future remains the immediate issue. Benfica’s reported interest could offer him the opportunity to work again with Silva, but no move has been confirmed.

Chelsea’s three-goal display was enough to secure a draw, with Delap’s two goals and Cristian’s own goal accounting for their scoring. For Adarabioyo, the game was an opportunity to complete the contest, make a significant defensive contribution and remind potential suitors of his qualities.

The defender will now hope for clarity over whether he remains part of Chelsea’s plans or begins a new chapter elsewhere before the new season gets under way.