Middlesbrough Beat Five High Profile Clubs To Signing Of Champions League Winner

Middlesbrough Beat Five High Profile Clubs To Signing Of Champions League Winner

Middlesbrough have confirmed the signing of former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.

The 31-year-old was available on a free transfer after leaving Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda earlier this month.

Boro have secured Mikel on a deal until the end of the season, with the former Nigerian international having turned down five other clubs in order to move to the Riverside Stadium.

Premier League side Crystal Palace, Serie A club Roma, Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg as well as Aston Villa and Derby were all keen to recruit the midfielder.

However, with Mikel keen to play regularly, as well as having his heart set on a move to the UK, he decided on a switch to the Teessiders.

The Nigerian won’t be available for this weekend’s game against Newport in the FA Cup as he needs to secure a work permit.

In addition, he will need time to get back to fitness after playing his last competitive match back in October.

During his eleven seasons at Chelsea, Mikel won the Champions League, two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and the Europa League.