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Ouma has risen to prominence at the heart of IF Elfsborg's midfield this season in the UEFA Europa League, but a scout has revealed why a move to England at this stage of his career may come too soon for the Harambee Stars man.
Kenyan midfielder Timothy Ouma is attracting significant interest from top European clubs, including Manchester United, Tottemham, Brentford, Luton Town, and Sheffield United.
However, football expert Jamie Rietiker-Wright, a former performance and data scout at Cardiff City Academy, believes Ouma’s next step should prioritize development over prestige, suggesting a move to Belgium or the Netherlands over the Premier League.
Ouma, 20, has emerged as a key figure for IF Elfsborg since joining the Swedish club in 2022 from Nairobi City Stars. The midfielder has showcased his talent in 34 appearances this season, contributing three goals and three assists across domestic and European competitions.
His standout performance came during a Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar, where he scored a stunning goal and delivered a crucial assist, dominating Alkmaar’s midfield with his physicality and game intelligence.
Rietiker-Wright describes Ouma as a “leggy, high-energy midfielder” with exceptional athleticism and defensive prowess.
His physicality allows him to dominate midfield duels and cover significant ground, making him a force in defensive situations.
“Tactically, Ouma is an all-rounder,” says Jamie. “He supports both defensive and attacking phases, making late runs into the box and intelligently breaking up opposition plays in central areas.”
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While Ouma’s physical and tactical attributes are impressive, Rietiker-Wright highlights areas for improvement.
“He’s not the most technically gifted player but is highly functional. Refining his ball control and passing range, particularly under pressure, would elevate his game further,” Jamie notes.
Given the growing interest from elite clubs, Jamie cautions against a premature move to the Premier League. Instead, he suggests Ouma should target leagues renowned for nurturing young talent.
“Ouma is ready for the next step, but Belgium or the Netherlands would be ideal for his development,” Jamie advises.
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Ouma has been on song for IF Elfsborg in the Europa League this season, which has attracted the interest of several clubs in England, includig Manchester United, Spurs and even Brentford.
“These leagues provide the right balance of competition and growth opportunities, which would help him refine his technical abilities while leveraging his athletic strengths.”
Ouma’s rapid rise from Nairobi City Stars to starring in European competitions reflects his immense potential. A thoughtful next move could solidify his path to becoming a top-tier midfielder, ensuring his talent continues to flourish on the international stage.
Moving to Belgium as the next step would make sense, considering even Victor Wanyama, the only Kenyan midfielder to have made it to the English Premier League, moved to Beerschot following a stint at Swedish outfit Helsingborg
As scouts and clubs monitor his progress, Ouma’s journey serves as a beacon for Kenyan football, underscoring the wealth of talent emerging from the country.
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