Jon Obi Mikel’s departure has been pretty much assumed for some time. Despite a brief renaissance under Guus Hiddink last season, the Nigerian stalwart has played very little in recent years, and with his current deal running out this summer, the potential January exit has been repeatedly raised by both the press and the player.
Now Mikel’s agent John Shittu has spoken to Goal about the situation saying that his client’s departure, while far from certain, has a strong chance of happening before the end of the winter window.
“Obi Mikel and Antonio have been speaking,” Shittu said. “The manager, club and player have been talking. So I am not in a position to tell about what they have been speaking about, in the next few weeks things should be clearer.
“There is no decision made yet and it is still 50/50 whether he will sign or leave. A lot can happen in the next months, never say never in football.”
It’s a bitter blow for many Chelsea fans, for whom Mikel is the epitome of a cult hero. However with the Nigeria captain not having featured in a matchday squad since Antonio Conte took over, it certainly seems that leaving is Jon’s only option.
Some outlets have linked the midfielder with Manchester United, but the interest Goal mention from Galatasaray and Marseille seems more realistic.
