Wednesday, 18 May 2011

Yobo set for Turkish title-decider

The English League may have already been tied up, but in the Turkish Superlig the title race hangs in the balance with just one round of fixtures to play.

There is an Everton link in this story, as Istanbul club Fenerbahce, who are battling with Trabzonspor for the title, include in their ranks Nigerian defender Joseph Yobo, who is still an Everton player.

Both teams are level on 79 points, but with Fenerbahce having a 7 goal superior goal difference, Yobo knows that an away victory at Sivasspor will land his side the title. Trabzonspor must travel to 8th placed Karabukspor.

Yobo has been speaking to BBC Sport about his time in Turkey:

"It's been a long battle and we have to do all we can to realise the title dream on the last day of the season. We respect our final opponents, our rivals, and this is a good thing for the Turkish league. I've never won a league title before in my career. I made the sacrifice to be here and am happy with the club, team-mates, fans, country and the league."

With Fenerbahce enjoying a great run of form, winning sixteen of their last seventeen fixtures, and going 853 minutes without conceding, it looks likely that they will bring the title back to Istanbul after a four-year wait.

The more pressing matter for Evertonians is the future of Joseph Yobo. From the quotes above he seems happy in Turkey, and is likely to sign for the champions-elect this Summer. His loan deal reportedly included a clause that allowed Fenerbahce to sign him at the end of the period for £5 million.

It seems like looking a good move for player and both clubs. We have enough centre-back cover and the £5 million would be £5 million more than we'd usually have.

A good servant for Everton, I wish Joseph the best of luck on Sunday, and for the rest of his career.

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