Mikel Agu: Super Eagles midfielder is trying to force his way out of Porto

Mikel Agu wants stability in his career after successive loan moves and is aiming for a permanent move away from Porto.

Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Agu is trying to force his way out of Portuguese Primeira Liga side FC Porto.

The 25-year-old has came up through the ranks at Porto but is yet to play a full season with the Portuguese side.

Agu who missed out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup with the Super Eagles is optimistic that a permanent move to a different club side will be a turning point in his career.

In a report by Complete Sports, Agu revealed that Porto coach Sergio Conceicao stated that he is not in his plans this season which has prompted him to make a request to leave the club after consecutive loan spells.

 

He said, “I left the team’s camp after I discussed with the coach and he told me that he doesn't have me in his plan for playing time.

“I want Porto to sell me. I’ve spent eight years here with three loan spells. Now I want something more permanent.

“I want a home. Now I have a family so I want to put down roots in one place. Moving from one country to another is not good for my son too.”

Different languages and cultures in different countries will not help him now that he’s this young. He needs stability.”

The Nigerian midfielder has been loaned out severally to different countries and Agu believes it is time to settle down in career and the decision to leave Porto is not down to a pay increase as he earned more playing for Bursaspor with compatriot Shehu Abdullahi last season.

He said, “I also need a place where I will play week in and out to help improve my game and also my chances of getting back into the Super Eagles. Sitting on the bench at Porto will not help that.

“Trust me, this is not about money. If I go out on loan, I believe I’ll get more money than what I’m getting in Porto. For example, what I got in Turkey (with Bursaspor last season) was more than my salary in Porto. I’m just tired of going out on loan. The way loan players are treated, especially once their loan deal is about ending, is terrible. I should know. I’ve been out three times to Club Brugge (Belgium), Vitoria Setubal (Portugal) and last season at Bursaspor.”

Agu decision to leave Porto also rest on the hand s of the club, as he is tied to a contract till 2021.

 

He stated that his agents will handle the process of negotiations but there are several clubs interested in his services.

He said, “My agent will be the one to discuss with the club. I have clubs that want me from different countries but it now depends on what Porto will sell me for. I’m not short of suitors and I’m willing and ready to leave."

Agu will hope to complete a move before the end of the summer transfer window and force his way into Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr plans for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers starting in September.