Why Galatasaray could be a good option for John Obi Mikel.

With reports linking Mikel Obi out of Stamford Bridge and no word coming out Mourinho to debunk the speculations, add to that the 'you never know in football' response by the man at the centre himself, could it be that Mikel's seven year romance with the Blues is coming to an end?

Often derided by many Chelsea fans as the weakest link in the team, Mikel is a player

who divides opinions whenever his name is mentioned in football circles. If there was an award for the most underrated (or under-appreciated) player in Chelsea or perhaps the Premiership as a whole, his name would easily come to mind. Yet he is well respected by teammates and almost all Chelsea Managers he's played under, and in Chelsea, that's an awful lot.

Although Jose Mourinho was quoted as saying that Wayne Rooney aside, he is not in the market for any player and that includes Daniele De Rossi whose speculated move to Chelsea in the last month further fueled  Mikel's exit. While Mourinho's statement  may come as good news to Mikel's Chelsea fans, is leaving for the less glamorous league of Turkey really a bad move?  The answer is NO.

Having spent such a long time at Chelsea where he has won virtually all the trophies available, does he really still need to convince any doubting fan of his abilities, and will he ever succeed in doing that? Turkish football has a massive following and the fans there are quite fanatical. Galatasaray has consistently been one of the best 3 clubs in the country which means they play in Europe every season. This season, baring any suspension, they are due to play in the Champions League which is every player's dream. Also the league attracts good players from all over the world and the prospect of teaming up with the likes of Drogba, Wesley Sneidjer, Johan Elmander, Emmanuel Ebou in the colours of Gala is a good lure. Above all this is his style of play which is better suited to a slower but technical league. Ever wondered why he plays so well for his National team yet his game looks ordinary at Chelsea? Aside the freedom he enjoys when he plays for Nigeria, the slow pace of the team suits him well unlike in the Premiership where his team play often bypasses him . Mikel style of play will suit the Spanish, Italian or the Turkish Leagues where the football is technically better and involves less running unlike in the Premiership where the emphasis is on a players' physical strength and conditioning. 

With the acquisition of few more midfielders coupled with the return of 'son' Essien, Mikel's chances as a first team player looks very slim.  but yet again, the boy has a way of surprising many fans by making sure managers never overlook him. With his confidence sky high at the moment on the back of his country 2013 African Nation's cup win as well as the 2013 Confederation cup performance, where he excelled at both tourneys, Mikel will no doubt hope to build on these achievements to cement his place for the coming 2013/14 season. While it makes sense he follows in the footsteps of Drogba by leaving on a high and go to a club where he is assured regular playing time, staying to fight for his position is also a good test of his character. Will he come up trumps again?