This archive report was first published on 17 August 2020.
On August 17, 2020, John Obi Mikel made a significant move to English Championship side Stoke City, marking the club's fourth signing of the summer.
The Nigerian international midfielder joins Morgan Fox, James Chester, and Steven Fletcher at the bet365 Stadium ahead of the 2020/21 Championship season.
Mikel's illustrious career spans 11 years at Chelsea, where he won numerous domestic and European honors. He returns to English football after a stint in the Turkish Super Lig with Trabzonspor.
Stoke City manager Michael O'Neill expressed his delight at bringing Mikel to the club, citing his impressive playing career and calibre as a player.
According to O'Neill, Mikel made it clear during their four-hour meeting that he wants to return to the Premier League and finish his career there, with Stoke City being a potential destination.
During his time at Chelsea, Mikel made over 370 appearances, helping the team secure the Premier League title twice, as well as three FA Cups, the Champions League, and the Europa League.
Before joining Stoke City, Mikel played for Middlesbrough on a short-term deal in January 2019, making 19 appearances. He also won 91 caps for Nigeria before retiring from international football following the 2019 African Cup of Nations.
