Michael Essien Close To Bali Unite Switch After Persib Bandung Departure

Ghana midfielder Michael Essien is on the verge of joining Indonesian side Bali United after leaving Persib Bandung.

The former Chelsea ace was released by the club to fulfil the foreign quota rule following the signing of Bogan Malistic and Oh In-Kyun while they exercised the option to retain the services of Chadian international Ezechiel N'Douassel.

The President of the club, Zainuri Hasyim told the media, '[Michael] Essien was not among the players we launched because we wanted to fulfil the PSSI regulation of four foreign players in a team."

However, according to reports in the Indonesian tabloids, Bali United have contacted the Ghanaian and are expected to finalize a deal with him before the start of the season.

Essien scored five goals in 29 games for the Persib Bandung last season.