FORMER Tottenham prospect Jon Obika has been released by League One side Morecambe.
Striker Obika, 31, played just four times for Spurs between 2008 and 2013.
Jon Obika has been released by MorecambeGetty
Obika made just four appearances for TottenhamAction Images – Reuters
He was once considered a more exciting talent than Harry Kane – who has gone on to become Tottenham’s all-time record scorer.
But now he is searching for a new club after third-tier side Morecambe, who were relegated on the final day of the season, released him at the end of his two-year contract.
A little less than two years Kane’s senior, Obika made a name for himself as Tottenham’s top scorer in the academy during the 2008/09 season.
He also claimed the fans’ award for best young player and became an England U19 international.
His impressive displays earned him two appearances in the Uefa Cup during the first few months of Harry Redknapp’s reign at the club.
And he began training with the first team – which included the likes of Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart.
Recalling those days, Obika told The Guardian: “I can’t even remember Modric losing the ball in training.
“He set the standard: this is where we have to get to. You had to raise your level.”
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However, Obika failed to reach those heights at White Hart Lane.
After playing two cup games in the 2012/13 campaign, he left Spurs permanently in 2014 – joining League One side Swindon.
That came after loan spells with Milwall, Yeovil Town, Charlton Athletic, Crystal Palace and Brighton.
Obika registered 28 goals in 108 games for third-tier side Swindon, before he joined Oxford United for two seasons.
In 2019, he returned to top-flight football by moving to Scotland and signing for St Mirren.
And after scoring 20 times in 77 games, he headed back to England in 2021, penning a two-year deal with Morecambe.
But he hit the back of the net just twice in two campaigns with the Lancashire outfit – suffering a serious injury ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
Now he has been released at the end of his contract and is searching for a new club.
Former Arsenal man Dan Crowley was also released by Morecambe following their relegation to the fourth tier.