Southeast Asia Indonesia

Michael Essien arrives in Indonesia to sign contract with Persib Bandung – Reports

Former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder Michael Essien has reportedly arrived in Indonesia in order to negotiate a contract deal with local side Persib Bandung.

The Ghanaian footballer has been without a club since leaving Panathinaikos last year. As he is a free agent, Persib Bandung is not required to pay any transfer fee; however, the club will have to negotiate an acceptable salary for the UEFA Champions League winner.

According to reports, Essien is asking for a salary worth of $800.000 a year, much more than what Persib Bandung is willing to pay.

One of the highest earners from the Indonesian club, Sergio van Dijk, is currently playing on a $300.000-a-year contract, so it is difficult to see Persib paying nearly three times that much for the former Real Madrid midfielder.

Previously, several high-profile footballers were also linked with a move to Persib Bandung, among them Didier Drogba, Robbie Keane, Ronaldinho and Dimitar Berbatov, but none of these rumors was materialized.