Nigerian set to leave in January
Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel is finally set to leave Stamford Bridge in January, with Besiktas his likely destination.
The Nigerian was supposed to join the Super Lig outfit over the summer, but a proposed deal collapsed with Jose Mourinho not willing to sell the holding-midfielder.
However, after a couple of months into the new season, Mikel has once again struggled for game-time in West London, and he’s now ready to force an exit from the club.
Out of Favour
Mikel has been a fourth-choice centre-midfielder at Chelsea for the past two seasons, behind Cesc Fabregas, Nemanja Matic and Ramires in the pecking order, and due to the lack of game-time, he’s now ready to quit the club, ending his long-term association with the Blues.
As well as the trio already ahead of him in the pecking order, Mikel could be pushed further down with Mourinho once again showing interest in Atletico Madrid star Koke.
Another potential blow for the Nigerian is the emergence of Ruben Loftus-Cheek who is a youth graduate who’s on the cusp of a first-team run-out.
It’s reported in Turkey that Mikel will finally secure his move to Besiktas in the New Year.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
