Ghana’s talented player, Michael Essien, is likely to be on his was to Chelsea as a replacement for Nigeria’s John Mikel Obi, who has been in talks with Galatasaray of Turkey.
Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho, formerly of Real Madrid, was the man who brought the midfielder to Madrid last season.
His spell with the Spanish outfit went well and Essien’s fitness and form have both dramatically improved.
Essien said: “I will return to Chelsea with my head up and try to win my place back.
“I think my loan at Madrid has shown I have still got it at the top level.
“I have got my energy back and I feel I can do a job for the team again.”
This summer has already seen the 30-year old attracting interest from French Ligue One champions, Paris Saint-Germain.
However, it appears Chelsea are keen to hold on to him for the coming season.
Essien’s return will mean question marks hanging over John Obi Mikel’s future.
The Nigerian defensive-midfielder made 19 league starts last season and found himself frequently criticised for his performances.
Turkish side Galatasaray are reported to be preparing a bid for the 26-year-old, which could be considered by Chelsea.
The relationship between Essien and Mourinho could be the nail in the coffin, which would see Mikel exiting the club.
Essien has always spoken out of his admiration for the Portuguese manager.
Calling him ‘daddy’, the pair are said to get on well off the pitch.
Under Mourinho’s reign, the 30-year-old was part of the Chelsea side who enjoyed their best years of success and Mourinho sees Essien as paramount to their potential success.
Trending
- Tinubu sends best wishes to Team Nigeria at Paris Olympics
- Police arrest man for allegedly killing friend for ritual in Osun
- 2026: No vacancy in Ekiti Government House – Senate Leader
- Submit your names, addresses to police, IG tells hunger protest organisers
- Discontinue probe in cases pending in court, lawyer writes lawmakers
- ‘Asiyanbi’ stage play: A Journey through Nigeria’s cultural heritage
- Green Economy to drive Nigeria’s economic diversification, job creation – SEC DG
- Atiku mourns Ohaneze Ndigbo President, Iwuanyanwu