Sheffield United Opinion: Why the Blades should go for John Obi Mikel?
According to Nigerian outlet Sports 247, Sheffield United and Norwich City are set to battle for Middlesbrough midfielder John Obi Mikel.
The 32-year-old surprisingly made the move to Middlesbrough in January after leaving Chinese side Tianjin TEDA and made 19 appearances under Tony Pulis, as the Teesside club missed out on promotion. The Nigerian’s deal at the Riverside Stadium will expire next month and it is unlikely to see him in Boro colours next season.
However, Mikel has made it clear that he plans to stay in England, boosting Sheffield United and Norwich City’s pursuits of the midfielder’s signature. Keeping that in mind, Sheffield United must beat Norwich to the 32-year-old’s signature.
Sheffield United achieved direct promotion to the Premier League alongside champions Norwich City. The Blades were fantastic for the majority part of the season and will rightfully compete in the top flight next season.
The Premier league is a completely different animal as compared to the Championship, as the level of physicality, technicalities and tactical nous are very difficult to handle for a newly-promoted side. That’s why Sheffield United will need reinforcements over the summer to survive in the Premier League.
Someone like John Obi Mikel would be perfect for Chris Wilder’s side, who are certainly short of proven Premier League performers. The likes of Oliver Norwood and John Fleck were phenomenal in the Blades’ engine room, but they lack top-flight experience. Mikel would bring plenty of experience to Bramall Lane if Wilder manages to sign him.
Mikel spent 10 years at Chelsea and made 249 Premier League appearances at the Stamford Bridge, winning two league titles, three FA Cup’s, a League Cup, a Europa League and the Champions League. The Super Eagles skipper has won everything on offer in England which itself makes him such a valuable player to have in the squad.
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Of course, at 32, there might be reservations regarding his energy and intensity to cope up with the Premier League but given his performances at Middlesbrough and his availability on a free transfer, Mikel would represent a shrewd piece of business for Sheffield United.
Verdict
Having enjoyed a fantastic career in England, signing Mikel stands as an absolute no-brainer for the Blades. Hence, Wilder should do everything possible to bring the Nigerian to Bramall Lane ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.
