Official: Mikel Returns To England

The former Super Eagles captain is back on England shores almost two years after leaving the country for the Turkish top-flight

Championship side, Stoke City have completed the signing of ex-Nigerian international, John Mikel Obi, ahead of the 2020/2021 season.

Mikel has been without a club since he left Trabzonspor by mutual consent back in March. The 33-year-old has always expressed his interest to make a return to English football.

West Bromwich Albion were reportedly interested in bringing the Nigerian back to the Premier League, but it was Stoke City that eventually won the race for his signature.

Potters manager, Michael O’Neill, revealed the club decided to bring in Mikel because of his experience and determination to get the club back into the top-flight.

“We’re delighted to bring John to the Club. His playing career speaks for itself and underlines his calibre as a player, O’Neill told Stoke’s website

“We spent four hours talking, and he made it clear he wants to get back into the Premier League and finish his career there, and hopefully he can do that with Stoke City.”

This is Mikel’s second stint in England’s second division after spending six months with Middlesbrough in 2019. His most successful spell, however, came during an 11-year stay with Chelsea, winning two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Champions League and Europa League.