Everton, West Ham United and Sunderland may find themselves a player light come January.
January’s African Cup of Nations tournament looks set to rob Everton, West Ham United and Sunderland of key midfielders for up to six weeks.
Idrissa Gueye, Cheikhou Kouyate (both Senegal) and Didier Ndong (Gabon) are all likely to feature for their countries in the latter’s homeland, however, another African middle man will not be present on this occasion.
John Obi Mikel’s team have failed to qualify, which is no doubt a shame for the Nigerian, who is yet to appear in any of Chelsea’s matchday squads this season.
After 10 years and as many major trophies, Mikel’s time at Stamford Bridge looks to be drawing to a close with his contract up next summer.
The 29-year-old’s lack of games is perhaps not an accurate reflection of his ability, which deserves to put to use somewhere.
According to the Daily Mail, Mikel will seek to remain in England when he eventually departs Chelsea, and one of Everton, West Ham or Sunderland could do worse than to rescue him six months early.
With the January market a notoriously difficult one in which to find quality, a cut-price move for Mikel seems like a no-brainer.
Still on the right side of 30, the former Lyn Oslo man needn’t be a short-term option, and could inject the top-level experience required to nudge Everton into a top four place – or in West Ham and Sunderland’s cases, hoist them away from danger.
Would you welcome Mikel at Goodison Park/the London Stadium/Stadium of Light?
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