West Bromwich Albion of England have reignited their tradition of signing Nigerian players, after sealing a season-long loan deal for Tosin Adarabioyo from Manchester City.
The deal was on Friday confirmed by City, who disclosed that Adarabioyo has joined the demoted side to continue his development after earning promotion to The Citizens’ first team last season.
Adarabioyo made eight appearances for City’s first team to date since he made his senior debut against Chelsea in the FA Cup back in February 2016.
The 20-year-old, who has been connected with Man City since the age of five, is the third defender recruited by West Brom this summer, with Kyle Bartley and Conor Townsend arriving at The Hawthorns last month.
He reignites The Hawthorns’ Nigerian tradition, which included in years past Nwankwo Kanu, Ifeanyi Udeze, Victor Anichebe, Peter Osaze Odemwingie and Aide Brown Ideye.
The young centre-back, who made his professional debut in February 2016, immediately made an impression on Pep Guardiola and was promoted to City’s senior squad as soon as the Catalan arrived at the club.
Adarabiyo, though, struggled to progress in the first team with Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi in such good form, managing just four starts in the last two years and barely getting a kick on the recent pre-season tour.
He will now be looking to get a season of regular football at The Hawthorns to continue his development through matches with The Baggies.
West Brom will get their season underway on Saturday when they face Bolton Wanderers at home, while City kick off on Sunday when they face Chelsea in the Community Shield.
