Exclusive: Stoke to sign John Obi Mikel as club target promotion bid
John Obi Mikel, the former Chelsea midfielder, will make his return to English football on Monday by signing for Stoke City.
Mikel is set for a medical at the start of next week and will sign a one-year deal to become Michael O'Neill's fourth signing of the summer.
The 33 year old is a free agent after leaving Trabzonspor in March, amid concerns over the Turkish Super Lig continuing during the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.
He has had detailed talks with O'Neill, the Stoke manager, over his role and has agreed to a season in the Championship as the club target a promotion bid.
The Nigeria international made his name with Chelsea after signing for the club in 2006, winning two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, the Champions League and Europa League during a 11-year stay.
His last spell in English football was a brief spell with Middlesbrough last year, but O'Neill believes Mikel could prove a shrewd signing as he rebuilds the Stoke squad.
Stoke have already signed Morgan Fox, James Chester and Steven Fletcher ahead of the new season.
Mikel's arrival as another defensive midfielder suggests Stoke will now step up their efforts to offload Badou Ndiaye and Peter Etebo.
Stoke finished 15th in last season's Championship table, eight points above the bottom three.
