Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has signed for English Championship side, Middlesbrough on a short term deal until the end of the season.
The 31-year-old became a free agent in November after a two-year spell in China with Tianjin Teda and will boost the promotion chances of the Championship club.
Mikel, who spent 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge, passed his medical with Tony Pulis’ side without a hitch after agreeing personal terms.
The Nigeria international was desperate to seal a move back to England as his wife and two young children remained in the United Kingdom whilst he worked in the Chinese Super League.
Also Read: Six EPL Clubs Interested In Signing Ighalo
Pulis was delighted at the new addition and said: ‘I’m pleased to get him in. He is a man with a lot of experience and quality.
‘He has a winning mentality and he wants to be here be a part of what we are looking to achieve.’
Clubs across Europe were interested in signing Mikel, including Roma and Wolfsburg so this could be regarded as a coup for Boro.
Crystal Palace were another club linked with a move but Mikel will bolster Pulis’ ranks.
A part of the team for more than a decade at Chelsea, Mikel won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the League Cup at the club.
He also tasted success on the biggest club stage with the Blues as he won both the Champions League and Europa League during his time in England.
Middlesbrough are currently fifth in the Championship and Mikel is the second signing of the transfer window after Rajiv van La Parra arrived on loan from Huddersfield
10 Comments
Good move for him. With Middlesbrough challenging for promotion it could see Mikel playing in the premier league next season if they retain him when his contract runs out. It also buys him time to look at alternatives, plus keeps him in contention for an AFCON place
Not that bad, at least playing time is guaranteed which he need to make AFCON.
Wow, I am loving many of the quotes in articles on CSN platform today.
Check this out: “‘He (Mikel Obi) has a winning mentality and he wants to be here be a part of what we are looking to achieve.’: Middlesbrough coach Tony Pulis.
In a year when we fans are looking to Mikel Obi to do an AFCON double after lifting the trophy the last time he and the Super Eagles participated in 2013, referring to the ex-Chelsea star as someone with a ‘winning mentality’ has significance that will resonate with the Super Eagles fan base.
With senior players like Ahmed Musa, Mikel Obi, Odion Ighalo, and Fenerbache-bound Victor Moses (who is rumoured to be strongly making a U-turn on his resignation) blending with younger players, the Super Eagles are primed to have a meaningful outing in the 2019 African Cup of nations.
On the issue of Victor Moses, Gernot Rohr has echoed what I have been saying all along that his return to the team – should he agree to return – has to hinge of him rediscovering his motivation for international football and willingness to accept that he will not be expected to walk straight into the starting 11.
According to Futaa.com, Gernot Rohr said: “If he wants to come back to the team, it is okay but he must show a lot of motivation, he must show that he is fit to play for the team because we have other players playing well in his position now.”
He said further: “we have more options on the wings now like Samuel Kalu, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Ahmed Musa. Victor Moses comeback is good news for us.”
It is being reported that Amaju Pinnick remains confident of luring Moses back to play for Nigeria – something I will be happy if it does happen as Victor Moses’ presence will give us more options in Egypt.
Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has insisted that Fenerbahce bound winger Victor Moses will not have an automatic shirt if he reverses his decision to retire from the national team.
The Chelsea star was the holder of the number 11 shirt before he called time on his international career after the 2018 World Cup in order to focus on his club career.
Rohr revealed that the quartet of Samuel Kalu, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Ahmed Musa are the players that can be deployed as wingers in the current Super Eagles squad.
Speaking on the sidelines of the NPFL match between MFM FC and Rangers, Rohr told reporers: ”Victor Moses is a player with lots of quality but stopped playing for the National team after the World Cup. We have to respect his decision not to play again.
”If he wants to come back to the team, it is okay but he must show a lot of motivation, he must show that he is fit to play for the team because we have other players playing well in his position now.
”Moses has to be strong to come back to the team because we have more options on the wings now like Samuel Kalu, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Ahmed Musa. All these players are on his wings.
”Victor Moses comeback is good news for us.”
“Rohr revealed that the quartet of Samuel Kalu, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Ahmed Musa”
I’m surprised he did not mention Onyekuru who is on fire now and should be pushing Musa hard for the left wing and second striker role given his return of 9 goals in 19 games in a league which is higher in stature than the Saudi league. I’m also surprised he did not mention a player he rates highly Moses Simon who was being used primarily in the Copa Del Rey (he’s being utilized as a left wing back and can complement Jamilu Collins in Leftback/left wing back position)
I wish you all the best
Nice move though, takes time
Hope you get good playing time ahead for the AFCON
Congratulations on your successful transfer back to English football, I wish you all the best.
Its not easy to get fit, but Mikel is the super eagles captain, he needs to play in a better league and not China