Joseph Yobo has returned to the Premier League following a three-and-a-half year absence, after sealing a loan move to Norwich City.
The Nigeria international, who has 95 caps for his country, was David Moyes’ first signing for Everton back in 2002, when the Toffees paid £4million to take him from Marseille following an impressive loan spell. Yobo made over 200 appearances in the top-flight for the Toffees, before leaving for Fenerbahce in 2010 after losing his place in the first team.
During his time in Istanbul, the defender has won one league title and two Turkish Cups, but he has been restricted to just one appearance in the Super Lig this term. He has now returned to England with Norwich, who have snapped the 33-year-old up on a temporary deal for the rest of the season following an injury to Michael Turner.
“As most know we’ve got a problem with Michael Turner, who’s got a hamstring pull which will continue to keep him out for a fair amount of time, so it’s an area we needed to fill,” manager Chris Hughton said. “Of course what Joseph Yobo is about is that he’s someone who knows this division very well, and has great experience.”
Yobo will still have 12 months left on his contract at Fenerbahce when he returns in the summer, but it remains to be seen if he can persuade the Canaries to offer him a permanent contract. He hasn’t played for Nigeria since February 2013, but has not given up hope of forcing his way into Stephen Keshi’s squad for the World Cup Finals.
“We’ve spoken a couple of times and the coach says I’m still in his plans so that’s some great news,” Yobo told BBC Sport back in December. “He has always said that I’m the captain. He is the boss, and he decides who he wants to call up to the squad.”
