Red Devil
03-06-2006, 07:17 AM
Chelsea have agreed a fee for Nigerian starlet John Obi Mikel, bringing an end to a protracted transfer saga with Manchester United. The Premiership champions will part with £16 million for the 19-year-old, with parent club Lyn receiving £4 million and The Red Devils the other £12 million. Mikel had agreed a deal with Sir Alex Ferguson's side before backtracking and claiming he had been pressured into the agreement, and the Nigerian international has now achieved the move he desired.
Announcing the deal, Chelsea's fifth of the summer following Michael Ballack, Salomon Kalou, Andrei Shevchenko and Hilario, a statement called for a line to be drawn under the controversial affair - with Mikel now free to concentrate on his future at Stamford Bridge.
"Chelsea Football Club, Manchester United, FC Lyn Oslo and Jon Obi Mikel have reached a settlement to resolve the future of the player," read the statement. "Mikel's registration will be transferred from Lyn to Chelsea FC as soon as possible. United have also agreed to terminate their option agreement with Mikel.
Announcing the deal, Chelsea's fifth of the summer following Michael Ballack, Salomon Kalou, Andrei Shevchenko and Hilario, a statement called for a line to be drawn under the controversial affair - with Mikel now free to concentrate on his future at Stamford Bridge.
"Chelsea Football Club, Manchester United, FC Lyn Oslo and Jon Obi Mikel have reached a settlement to resolve the future of the player," read the statement. "Mikel's registration will be transferred from Lyn to Chelsea FC as soon as possible. United have also agreed to terminate their option agreement with Mikel.