Former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel is in line to make his competitive debut for Trabzonspor when they face Sparta Prague in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League on August 8.

According to reports in Turkey, the Chelsea legend will arrive in Istanbul on July 28 and will undergo medical tests in the city before completing the paperwork for his transfer.

Mikel has been given some time off by his new employer in order to recover after representing Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Trabzonspor are presently in Linz, Austria holding a training camp ahead of the new season and Nigerian striker Dickson Nwakaeme is confirmed to be part of the traveling party.

Mikel has agreed a two-year deal with Trabzonspor and will earn a guaranteed three million euros over the duration of his contract.

Based on his itinerary, the experienced midfielder will miss Trabzonspor's next two friendlies against Hoffenheim (July 25) and Parma (July 27).

Ifeanyi Emmanuel