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The former Nairobi City Stars man was reportedly scouted by Brentford and Luton scouts on his Europa League debut for Swedish outfit Elfsborg against Az Alkmar, a game he ended up scoring and assisting.
Harambee Stars midfielder Timothy "Babu" Ouma could be on the verge of making history by becoming the second Kenyan to feature in the prestigious English Premier League, following mounting interest from Brentford.
Ouma, who has flourished since his move from Nairobi City Stars to Swedish club IF Elfsborg in August 2022, has attracted serious attention in recent transfer windows, making him a hot commodity in European football.
According to a report from The Sun, Brentford, under the guidance of Thomas Frank, have shown considerable interest in the talented midfielder, alongside Championship side Luton Town, who are also keen on securing his services. Renowned journalist Alan Nixon confirmed this development, stating:
“Premier League club Brentford and Championship team Luton show interest in Timothy Ouma and are said to have scouted Ouma during the match against AZ Alkmaar.”
Both clubs sent scouts to monitor Ouma during Elfsborg’s thrilling 3-2 defeat against Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa League. The scouts were reportedly impressed with his dynamic midfield performance, which has led to growing speculation about his future.
Elfsborg reportedly turned down a substantial offer of SEK 60 million (approximately Ksh 679 million) for Ouma during the recently concluded transfer window.
This rejection came amid swirling rumors about his potential move to one of the English clubs. Ouma’s meteoric rise has undoubtedly made him a key figure at Elfsborg, but the rejected bid signifies the Swedish club's intent to hold onto their prized asset, at least for now.
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07:20 - 02.10.2024
New AFC Leopards star Ovella Ochieng on the concerning reason he was 'scared' of making his debut for the club at Thika Stadium
The week before, Tomas Trucha had criticised the status of the Thika Municipality stadium, where AFC Leopards overcame their duck over Bidco United
Should Ouma secure the move to Brentford, he would follow in the footsteps of fellow Kenyan Victor Wanyama, who previously played for both Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton in the English Premier League. Wanyama enjoyed a seven-year stint in England, and Ouma could soon become Kenya’s next top football export to the EPL.
Ouma’s transfer saga has been fraught with tension. The midfielder allegedly downed his tools in protest after Elfsborg resisted offers for him, causing him to miss Harambee Stars’ international fixture against Zimbabwe in September.
The frustration from Ouma’s camp stemmed from the club’s refusal to accept a lucrative offer, a situation that has left him seeking new opportunities.
Reports from Sweden indicate that Serie A side Empoli had also expressed serious interest in signing the Kenyan international. However, a potential deal with the Italian side failed to materialize as both clubs couldn't agree on a transfer fee, leaving Ouma's future in limbo for now.
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06:30 - 02.10.2024
Kenya Police boss backs Zesco United legend Jesse Were to cement legacy in South C despite early season struggles
Although Were scored his first goal for Police during their 2-1 loss to Zamalek in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary clash last week, he has also missed some crucial chances for the side in his three appearances so far,
Despite these challenges, Ouma has remained professional, and his performances on the pitch have continued to draw admiration from all corners. Having initially started his Elfsborg career in the junior sides, he has successfully worked his way up to the first team, delivering a stellar start to the season with one goal in 18 appearances so far.
Timothy Ouma’s current contract with Elfsborg runs until the summer of 2026, which means the Swedish club still holds considerable power in determining his future. However, with Brentford and Luton Town both showing interest, and potential bids on the horizon, Elfsborg could be tempted to reconsider their stance in upcoming transfer windows.
One additional factor that could tip the scales in Ouma’s favor is goalkeeper Hákon Rafn Valdimarsson, who joined Brentford from Elfsborg in January. Valdimarsson's positive experience at the Premier League club might serve as an indirect boost for Ouma, potentially giving him a smooth path to the English top flight.
Should Timothy Ouma's dream move to Brentford or Luton Town materialize, he would cement his place in Kenyan football history, becoming only the second player to feature in the English Premier League. The 20-year-old's future is undoubtedly bright, and his determination to play at the highest level could soon see him realize a new chapter in his already promising career.
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