Manchester City prodigy Tosin Adarabioyo is set to go out on another loan, this time to Blackburn Rovers, according to reports.
Blackburn Rovers are keen to bolster their defensive department in the ongoing transfer window and Manchester Evening News have claimed that they are closing in on Adarabioyo.
The Riversiders have already completed the acquisition of three prominent players, namely Sam Gallagher, Stewart Downing and Bradley Johnson but are still active in the transfer window.
Having finished fifteenth in the Championship last season, there are many areas where additions are needed and the central defence is one of them.
Tony Mowbray already has Darragh Lenihan, Charlie Mulgrew, Scott Wharton and Matthew Platt on his books to cater to his defensive needs.
However, the manager will get an added option by signing Adarabioyo and his versatility could prove to be a handy asset for Blackburn Rovers.
Tosin Adarabioyo: Career so far
Adarabioyo spent his youth in Manchester City’s academy and owing to competition for a place in their senior side, he might be shipped out to gain experience.
Last season, he was sent out on loan to the ranks of West Bromwich Albion and it proved to be a fruitful one as he managed to make a substantial impact.
The 21-year-old mustered 30 appearances in the English second tier under his belt and managed to bag a couple of assists to his name as well.
His defensive statistics were impressive as he managed 1.6 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 3 clearances per game on an average and his services were well appreciated in the club.
Pep Guardiola already has a star-studded central defensive arsenal, comprising of the likes of Aymeric Laporte, John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala.
Impliedly, Adarabioyo is not expected to get adequate opportunities if he stays at the Etihad Stadium in the upcoming season and another loan move will make sense.
What will he bring to the table?
Versatility is undoubtedly one of his strongest suits as he is capable of plying his trade across the backline, which is one of the main reason why he is highly rated.
His imposing frame enables him to have an aerial dominance over his opposition and from what he has showcased, he is certainly a decisive tackler and an astute reader of the game.
The English defender has decent pace to burn, which is why he has been good in one-vs.-one situations and his maturity belie his age.
By no means is he a finished article but by gaining experience, he could prove his mettle and could eventually pave his way into the senior side of Guardiola if he continues on his upward trajectory.
