Michael Obafemi F Plymouth Argyle (loan from Burnley) b.2000

[Eirambler]

Awful decision by Swansea not to let him go in August. It's cost them about a million quid for every goal he's scored since then.

[yurt]

Yeah of course, it's risky.
To try and better explain my point, Swansea have no leg to stand on in the negotiations as they clearly have to sell. They have the entire window to get the best deal they can. It looks like they are going to be patient and see if they can get a better offer in the next 3 weeks.

But you'd assume they'll just have to take whatever the best offer is come deadline day. The closer they are to the deadline the less leverage other teams will have as the buying team will also have a sense of urgency to a deal done.

But at the same time I've no idea how any of it works so maybe everything I've just said is absolute nonsense.

[JR89]

I wouldn't say awful decision at the time. Burnley came in on deadline day trying to buy their starting CF which left Swansea no time to sort any replacements if they did consider selling.

Just looks a poor decision now because they'll likely get half what Burnley offered in the summer and Obafemi was nowhere near the player that he was at the start of the year.

[JR89]

Yeah of course, it's risky.
To try and better explain my point, Swansea have no leg to stand on in the negotiations as they clearly have to sell. They have the entire window to get the best deal they can. It looks like they are going to be patient and see if they can get a better offer in the next 3 weeks.

But you'd assume they'll just have to take whatever the best offer is come deadline day. The closer they are to the deadline the less leverage other teams will have as the buying team will also have a sense of urgency to a deal done.

But at the same time I've no idea how any of it works so maybe everything I've just said is absolute nonsense.

They'll get a better offer from Burnley. Makes sense for them to low ball starting out and work their way up to 4m let's say rather than come straight in with 4m and have Swansea possibly turn it down hoping to get more if Burnley were willing to start at 4m. Would be somewhat confident he'll be a Burnley player before the months finished.

[Yard of Pace]

Sad to think that the one player who looks to have the ability out of anyone talked about or seen in the last few years just doesn't have the attitude to match. Maybe just a sign of the type of character(s) being produced nowadays.

Quote from his manager
"I absolutely love the kid. It's just difficult sometimes because of the situation.

I can't believe the stuff being written about a lad who has scored a couple of Ireland's best goals ever and is simply a striker with an ego.

I remember watching an interview with Robbie when he was 17:
"Who are ya playing next week, Robbie?
I dunno....but I'll probably score against them!"

Let the goalscoring forward have a big ego and hope he gets the right move. FFS!

[paul_oshea]

I'd say Robbies application was never called into question. No issues with an Ego. Well I do but I'll make exception for a guy who can score lots of goals for Ireland!

[Razors left peg]

I'd say Robbies application was never called into question. No issues with an Ego. Well I do but I'll make exception for a guy who can score lots of goals for Ireland!

Brian O'Driscoll and Robbie Keane were both captains of Ireland at same time. It was unbelievable the amount of people I knew that at the time said they didnt like Robbie because he was too cocky and he should be more like O'Driscoll. Even today I think Robbie doesn't get the respect he deserves.

On Obafemi, I wouldnt rule out the possibility that he acted the b0llix a bit this season to make sure that Swansea were forced to sell him. Burnley probably guaranteed him they would be back in for him after it didnt happen on deadline day and its in their interest if he did all he could to keep the price down. IF he had gone and scored 10 goals his price would be double. Clubs screw players over all the time so I dont have an issue when a player makes a decision to help himself.

[Olé Olé]

Brian O'Driscoll and Robbie Keane were both captains of Ireland at same time. It was unbelievable the amount of people I knew that at the time said they didnt like Robbie because he was too cocky and he should be more like O'Driscoll. Even today I think Robbie doesn't get the respect he deserves.

On Obafemi, I wouldnt rule out the possibility that he acted the b0llix a bit this season to make sure that Swansea were forced to sell him. Burnley probably guaranteed him they would be back in for him after it didnt happen on deadline day and its in their interest if he did all he could to keep the price down. IF he had gone and scored 10 goals his price would be double. Clubs screw players over all the time so I dont have an issue when a player makes a decision to help himself.
I agree with your take here on Obafemi. He owes Swansea nothing. Burnley was a great move at a good price at the time. I give him the benefit of the doubt on that basis. He needs to prove himself there fairly quick though.

[ontheotherhand]

I'd say Robbies application was never called into question. No issues with an Ego. Well I do but I'll make exception for a guy who can score lots of goals for Ireland!

Yeah a bit of an ego is grand if you're backing it up. Keane wasn't that bad anyway. He's not the brightest lad but saying you're going to score goals as a striker is just saying what your job is. Obafemi seems to have different issues though. Keane wanted to play football. Does Obafemi?

Hope this one pans out for the kid. It would be nice if one of him and Connolly could turn things around.

[Razors left peg]

Yeah a bit of an ego is grand if you're backing it up. Keane wasn't that bad anyway. He's not the brightest lad but saying you're going to score goals as a striker is just saying what your job is. Obafemi seems to have different issues though. Keane wanted to play football. Does Obafemi?

Hope this one pans out for the kid. It would be nice if one of him and Connolly could turn things around.

Obafemi wants to play football, just not for Swansea! Who knows what happened on deadline day, he might have been guaranteed a move only for them to change their mind last minute. If I was in a job who I feel took advantage of me or messed me around Im not sure how inclined Id be to want to work for them anymore.

Im not saying thats definitely what happened, and there is a history of issues with him from his Southampton days too, Im just saying that I dont think its as simple as this fella has a bad attitude and doesnt want to play football.

[Demesne Lad]

Burnley have agreed a fee for South African striker Lyle Foster (22, 1.85m) of Belgian club KVC Westerlo; 21 appearances(17 starts), 8 goals and 4 assists. I wonder if Kompany's interest in Obafemi has cooled?

[JR89]

Burnley need a couple of strikers. Barnes and Rodriguez are out of contract in the summer.

[JR89]

Good move for Obafemi and some talk it's a loan with an obligation to buy for £4m. Having his medical today going by reports.

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[Trequartista20]

Seems like a good move on the face of it, but will he play regularly/settle?

We'll have to see. He's an exciting talent with the capacity to score out of nothing - useful given the passive, rather impotent brand of football we're playing these days.

The knock-on effect may be that Ogbene leaves relegation-threatened Rotherham for Swansea, which would be a very positive move from an Irish point of view.

[pineapple stu]

Yeah, it'll be interesting to see how he gets on between now and May. He can't really afford to leave a third club under a cloud at his age. I think he's done well to get the move all things considered; up to him to make it work now.

[Eirambler]

He's a talented lad, no doubt about it. That's why he keeps getting chances, despite everything. Pacy, a good passer and a genuine goalscorer - that combination will always keep clubs interested. But at the same time, if he's not professional off the field, Burnley will bomb him out of the squad quickly enough. He has four months now to show he's worth another go in the Premier League, in a team that will make plenty of chances for him. Up to him to take this massive opportunity he's being given.

[JR89]

Seems like a good move on the face of it, but will he play regularly/settle?

We'll have to see. He's an exciting talent with the capacity to score out of nothing - useful given the passive, rather impotent brand of football we're playing these days.

The knock-on effect may be that Ogbene leaves relegation-threatened Rotherham for Swansea, which would be a very positive move from an Irish point of view.

Start regularly probably not but regular minutes off the bench to begin with I'd say. Kompany probably trying to get this pushed through now to get him in so he can settle into the Burnley way and up to speed for next season.

Burnley wouldn't need to make any signings this month and would still walk the league. What's being done now is Burnley getting their business done now rather than in the summer.

[Demesne Lad]

A bit more background to the 'try before you buy' Burnley approach for Obafemi: https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/swanseacity/news/59436/why-would-swansea-city-loan-michael-obafemi-to-burnley-

[nigel-harps1954]

You'd imagine Kompany isn't the type of manager to take any sh*te from his players and could well be the right manager at the right time for Obafemi. Great move for him.

[paul_oshea]

I cant access that at work, but would it just make sense given Burnely were relegated and had those financial issues they could offer an agreed fee that would be paid by the summer when Promotion and payments inline with promotion come in they can actually make the payment? As part of that paying wages and perhaps offering a bit more would tie the agreement over until summer.

[tetsujin1979]

They signed Foster yesterday from KVC Westerlo - https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/content/clarets-capture-foster - Rodriguez has played 17 of their 32 games so far season (starting 15) plus Weghorst is still on their books.
Obafemi is going to have to work hard to get into the team before the end of the season, and harder still to stay in it next season.

I know that sounds bad, but I'm very much in favour of this move

[Olé Olé]

You'd imagine Kompany isn't the type of manager to take any sh*te from his players and could well be the right manager at the right time for Obafemi. Great move for him.

Also, he's a recognizable name and Premier League legend. Obafemi would have grown up watching him. As you say, could be the right manager. It feels like that. If it works out I'll be happy. Exciting player on form.

[Razors left peg]

I know hes had attitude issues previously but I still dont think this season is an attitude thing. I firmly believe that Burnley guaranteed him that they would be back in for him after it didnt work last deadline day and that if he didnt do anything to push up his asking price in the meantime that wouldnt be the worst thing, just keep himself fit.

Even the Swansea manager said recently that he had no issue with him personally and hes a great lad, just had his head turned. Strange deals happen in football all the time so to me its not a stretch that this deal was done between Obafemi and Burnley the day after the last deadline.

Now that its actually happening, hopefully he get back to what he was last season. If Burnley get that player for 4 Million its an absolute steal

[tetsujin1979]

Initial loan deal for Obafemi confirmed, option of a permanent move in the summer
https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/content/obafemi-joins-on-loan

[Eirambler]

Burnley not really committing to much there then. I'm surprised Swansea let him go on loan as they won't get much in the way of funds to strengthen their own squad until the summer at best. And then they might get the player handed back to them again if Burnley decide they want others for the Premier League next season. Definitely sounds like Burnley got the better end of that deal.

On the plus side it will certainly keep Obafemi on his toes for the next few months. He'll have to deliver if he wants to stay with Burnley.

[pineapple stu]

On for his Burnley debut today; only got the last 15 minutes and they were 3-0 up already, but it's his first game in three months so has to be taken as a positive.

[Razors left peg]

Last min equalizer for Obafemi from bit of a goal mouth scramble. Great for him to get his 1st goal.

[samhaydenjr]

Last min equalizer for Obafemi from bit of a goal mouth scramble. Great for him to get his 1st goal.
Great to see. I have some concern about this move - there was definitely a case for staying another season at Swansea, where he did so well in the first half of last year - and that concern was exacerbated when he came on to replace Nathan Tella, who was getting time ahead of him at Southampton, and had just scored a hat trick. I still don't think he's going to be the main man immediately but at least he's off the mark

[Olé Olé]

Great to see. I have some concern about this move - there was definitely a case for staying another season at Swansea, where he did so well in the first half of last year - and that concern was exacerbated when he came on to replace Nathan Tella, who was getting time ahead of him at Southampton, and had just scored a hat trick. I still don't think he's going to be the main man immediately but at least he's off the mark

He came on for Conor Roberts and not Tella. And Tella is not a striker. Tella is an attacking midfielders.

[Stuttgart88]

What an ugly goal too. Bailed out his teammate who missed an open goal.

[Razors left peg]

What an ugly goal too. Bailed out his teammate who missed an open goal.

Gary Lineker made a career outta those type of goals!

[SkStu]

Another goal for Oba.

[tommy_c12000]

Excellent, Barnes seems to be producing the goods though so may be a while before establishing himself as a starter

[pineapple stu]

Question is will he get a permanent deal if he can't break into the team before the summer (and the inevitable squad strengthening)?

Seems he's doing what he can at the moment though, in fairness to him.

[tommy_c12000]

Interesting, I didn’t realize it was only a loan with option of permanent at the end. He won’t be exactly welcomed with open arms back to Swansea…

[Eirambler]

Apparently whatever the terms were that were agreed with Swansea, it was structured in a way that Burnley will almost certainly end up signing him permanently.

[pineapple stu]

Worst case scenario, you imagine he's doing his chances of a non-Swansea club being interested no harm for now anyway.

But football transfers can be weird for sure.

[CraftyToePoke]

Apparently whatever the terms were that were agreed with Swansea, it was structured in a way that Burnley will almost certainly end up signing him permanently.

He has put a crazy amount of career chips on one hand here if they haven't eh.
Imagine that dressing room his first day back in Wales ;)

[pineapple stu]

An assist today as Burnley won 3-0, another step in their coast to the title. But he only got 16 minutes - his assist came two minutes after he came on - and he hasn't yet got a full 90 minutes between all his Burnley appearances. Not sure it's clear it was a good move for him though; Burnley are sure to strengthen in the summer and if he can't break into the team now, it'll be harder next season.

I think it's clear he can play, but his career options don't seem the best.

[tommy_c12000]

Yea you would have to worry, nice assist if you get a chance to watch it. But feeding on but part minutes at the moment. Once promotion is secured perhaps Kompany will give him a chance to stake his claim for the premiership

[CSAD]

An assist today as Burnley won 3-0, another step in their coast to the title. But he only got 16 minutes - his assist came two minutes after he came on - and he hasn't yet got a full 90 minutes between all his Burnley appearances. Not sure it's clear it was a good move for him though; Burnley are sure to strengthen in the summer and if he can't break into the team now, it'll be harder next season.

I think it's clear he can play, but his career options don't seem the best.


Good so he’s challenging himself, will only improve him as a player. Better than taking the safe option that virtually ever Irish players takes…

[Eirambler]

He has two goals and an assist from 87 minutes of league football so far for Burnley. He will also be getting his match fitness up and adjusting to whatever way Burnley want him to play. I think he's doing absolutely fine so far.

[tetsujin1979]

Whether or not he gets the move to Burnley, he is doing everything possible to earn it

[John83]

Good so he’s challenging himself, will only improve him as a player. Better than taking the safe option that virtually ever Irish players takes…
What do you mean by safe option? Lots of our players are at clubs where they're not deemed good enough to start.


He has two goals and an assist from 87 minutes of league football so far for Burnley. He will also be getting his match fitness up and adjusting to whatever way Burnley want him to play. I think he's doing absolutely fine so far.
That sounds promising, but I'd still like to see it converted into more minutes sooner rather than later.

[JR89]

He has two goals and an assist from 87 minutes of league football so far for Burnley. He will also be getting his match fitness up and adjusting to whatever way Burnley want him to play. I think he's doing absolutely fine so far.

Agree, they also paid 11m for Lyle Foster and he's got 114mins over six sub appearances in the league. So nothing to really worry about with Obafemi when their big money signing this season is in the same situation of getting minutes from the bench while getting up to speed with the way Kompany wants things done.

[pineapple stu]

Burnley have been placed under a transfer embargo. RTÉ reporting that (https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2023/0312/1361813-championship-side-burnley-put-under-transfer-embargo/) "Burnley now face a race against time to ensure the embargo is lifted before the transfer window reopens at the end of the season"

Seems the issue is late filing of accounts after a change of auditor, but that shouldn't cause accounts to be late. Companies change auditors all the time.

Not sure what implications that might have for Obafemi - he's only on loan of course; can they complete the signing in the summer? Could they miss out on a couple of their main transfer targets, which would help Obafemi? (Might happen if the embargo is lifted after, say, a month of the transfer window)

It does sound for now like it'll be sorted in time, but an interesting twist nonetheless

[JR89]

Would have none unless FIFA or the EPL get involved. It's an EFL transfer embargo so will only affect if they're still in the championship next season which I doubt will happen

[pineapple stu]

Oh - that's a weird one.

[pineapple stu]

Burnley promoted today; first team in England to be promoted I think

Great news for Cullen of course. But Obafemi has yet to start a game and has just 110 minutes of game time across seven sub appearances. Bit disappointing all told. Maybe Kompany will change things around now promotion is assured, and the title is pretty much done too

[geysir]

I think the game was much more about Cullen than Obafemi who does look good enough for championship level. Cullen was central to most everything Burnley did, even giving away the penalty with a poor tackle in the box. Probably Kompany will stick with Cullen next season but he'll have to make the big step up to the next level. It's hard to see Obafemi being in an EPL team.