Tianjin Teda of China midfielder, John Mikel Obi has been offered the opportunity of an escape from his recent dwindling fortunes with the Chinese Super League club, as he has received summer transfer offers from clubs in Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
Although initial reports had indicated that Mikel intends to return to a top club in Europe come January, the Super Eagles captain may now weigh his options of going to the oil rich Middle East for a final financial boost in the twilight of his career.
Amazingly, one of the clubs said to be in the hunt for Mikel’s signature this month is Al Nassr of Saudi, who only last month hooked another Nigerian star, Ahmed Musa.
A credible person involved in the deal disclosed that Mikel is already studying a contract proposal from Al Nassr and could be set to make an exit from Tianjin Teda, where he has lost his place in the squad due to injury and league rules on foreign players quotas.
After missing five straight league games with the club, including the latest on Wednesday, Mikel is said to have given his representatives the nod to open transfer talks with Musa’s new club in Riyadh.
The deal would see Mikel earn a huge salary with Saudi Arabia outfit, but Al Nassr are in the race along with a club in Qatar and another in United Arab Emirates, who are both also keen on having his services.
The source disclosed: “Maybe Musa’s move to Al Nassr played a role in his decision but he has given us the go ahead to hold talks with them. However there are other offers on the table. Our major concern is his desire to return to Europe.”
