Tianjin TEDA Overruled Decision Of Scouting Team To Sign Mikel Ahead Of Porto And Sporting Lisbon

Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel was not initially a transfer target for Tianjin TEDA in the January transfer window, it has come to light.

Netease Sports says the former Chelsea midfielder was not one of the names submitted to manager Jaime Pacheco ahead of the opening of the transfer window, but the higher-ups at Tianjin TEDA overruled the decision of their scouting team.

Tianjin TEDA had embarked on a scouting mission to the Netherlands and Portugal, where they ran the rule over Porto and Sporting Lisbon stars.

The Super League club became interested in Mikel after discovering that his contract will expire in June and Chelsea were prepared to allow him leave as a free agent this month.

Mikel, 29, has committed his future to Tianjin TEDA for the next three seasons.

credit: allnigeriasoccer