Middlesbrough pull off shock deal for former Chelsea midfielder

 

Middlesbrough have announced they have signed former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel on a deal until the end of the season.

 

Mikel has spent the last two years playing for Chinese Super League side Tianjin TEDA but has now secured a return to England for family reasons.

 

Middlesbrough are currently fifth in the Championship and Tony Pulis will hope Mikel’s experience will help them get promoted this season.

 

 

Mikel spent 11 years at Chelsea before leaving for China in 2017 and won every trophy on offer during his time at Stamford Bridge.

 

Of the 68 players to attempt at least 25 dribbles in the Chinese Super League last season, Mikel had the best dribble success rate (90%).