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Tottenham Hotspur scouts watched Harambee Stars midfielder Timothy Ouma during Elfsborg's Europa League clash, signaling potential transfer interest.
English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly set their sights on Harambee Stars midfielder Timothy 'Babu' Ouma.
The 21-year-old Kenyan star, who currently plays for Swedish club IF Elfsborg, is gaining attention from several European clubs and Tottenham is said to be among the frontrunners vying for his signature.
With the Toffees struggling this season, winning only one of their first seven Premier League games, manager Sean Dyche is eager to strengthen his midfield options in a bid to turn things around.
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08:00 - 02.10.2024
Harambee Stars midfielder on the radar of Premier League outfit Brentford
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.
Ouma, who has flourished in Sweden since his move from Nairobi City Stars to IF Elfsborg in August 2022, was reportedly being watched closely during Elfsborg's Europa League clash against AS Roma on Thursday.
Scouts from Tottenham were present at the Boris Arena, alongside representatives from Real Sociedad, Bologna, Bournemouth, Genoa, and several Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs, all eager to assess the young midfielder's abilities.
According to Swedish publication Aftonbladet, Tottenham were especially interested in Ouma, alongside Ghanaian midfielder Michael Baidoo and Besfort Zeneli, both of whom are also key players for IF Elfsborg.
"We'll see. I am the first to congratulate both players and managers when they take the next step," said Elfsborg's club manager Stefan Andreasson, hinting at a possible transfer move for Ouma.
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This surge of interest comes just weeks after reports from The Sun indicated that Brentford and Championship side Luton Town were also keen on securing Ouma's services.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank is said to have been impressed by the Kenyan international's performances, while Luton is looking for additional firepower in their squad as they aim to remain competitive in the Championship.
Elfsborg, however, appear determined to hold on to their rising star, having reportedly turned down a substantial offer of SEK 60 million (approximately Ksh 679 million) during the recently concluded transfer window.
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Ouma's current form has made him one of the most coveted young talents in the Swedish Allsvenskan, and his value is expected to rise further with each outstanding performance.
For Tottenham fans, Ouma is still an unfamiliar name, but his stock is quickly rising in European football.
Should a Premier League team secure his signature, Ouma would become the first Kenyan to play in the English top flight since Victor Wanyama, who joined Southampton from Celtic in 2013 before making his move to Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Mozzart Sport reports that Kenya’s low FIFA ranking could pose challenges for any club aiming to sign him, as work permit regulations may become a significant hurdle.
Ouma's rise to prominence has been rapid. After making over 50 appearances for FKF Premier League side Nairobi City Stars the midfielder moved to Elfsborg in 2022 at just 18 years old.
Initially, he struggled for game time, but in 2024, he has become a regular starter for the Swedish side, making 17 appearances in the Swedish top flight so far this year.
His impressive performances in Europe have put him on the radar of several elite clubs, and it seems only a matter of time before he takes the next step in his career.
On the international front, Ouma is also an integral part of the Kenyan national team, Harambee Stars, and is expected to play a key role in their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Kenya, currently sitting at the top of Group J alongside Cameroon, will face the Indomitable Lions in a crucial doubleheader on October 11 and 14.
Ouma and other foreign-based players are expected to join the Kenyan squad by Sunday to prepare for the high-stakes matches.
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