Mikel Obi Sets For EPL Return
By Amaechi Agbo
Former Chelsea star, John Mikel Obi could make a sensational return to the English Premier League in the 2020/2021 season, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.
The former Super Eagles captain who left Chelsea three years ago have had stints in China, English Championship as well as Turkey.
Mikel in March this year severed his contract with Turkish side, Trabzonspor following the star’s objection to the way the club handled the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.
Report had earlier linked him with Brazilian clubs but latest report indicate that clubs that gained promotion into the EPL ahead of the new season are key to engage the services of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner.
Mikel reportedly hinted at England return as he says there is a strong possibility he will return to English football after leaving Trabzonspor by mutual consent.
Newly Promoted side, West Brom and Championship side, Stoke City are credited with interests in the 2016 Olympic bronze winner in football event.
Mikel revealed in an interview with BBC that he is open to return to England
The former Super Eagles captain is currently without a club after parting ways with Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor by mutual agreement in March.
Before his departure from the Medical Park Stadyumu, the 33-year-old made 27 appearances for the Black Sea Storm across all competitions.
The midfielder has been linked to newly-promoted Premier League side West Bromwich Albion and Championship club Stoke City .
“Yes, there are interested clubs and England is a strong possibility and why not,” Mikel told BBC Sport.
“We are currently in talks with clubs and there is absolutely no hurry. I can only wait to see what happens.”
Mikel made an indelible mark in England during his 11-year stay with Chelsea, where he featured in 249 league appearances.
The midfielder won a number of accolades during his time at Stamford Bridge, including two Premier League titles, FA Cup , Champions League , Europa League among others.
The former Nigeria international also featured for Championship club Middleborough after leaving Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda in 2018.
The midfielder had 91 caps for the Super Eagles before announcing his retirement from international duty after helping the West Africans finish third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in
Egypt .
Mikel also played a prominent role as Nigeria clinched the continental title for the third time in their history in 2013 in South Africa , under the guidance of late Stephen Keshi.
He captained Nigeria to a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics Games in Rio and was part of the Super Eagles squad at the 2014 and 2018 World Cup tournaments.
The midfielder will hope to secure a club before the commencement of the 2020-21 campaign which is due to start on September 12, 2020.