Timothy Noor ‘Babu Ouma’, born on June 10, 2004, has quickly become one of Kenya’s most promising football talents. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder currently plays for Swedish Allsvenskan side IF Elfsborg and the Kenya national team, Harambee Stars.
His journey from Nairobi City Stars to the European football scene has been nothing short of impressive, and he is now attracting interest from major European clubs, including English Premier League (EPL) side Brentford.
The Move to Sweden
Ouma’s professional career took a significant leap in mid-July 2022 when he was signed by Swedish top-tier side IF Elfsborg. He officially joined the club a month later, leaving behind Nairobi City Stars, where he had begun to make a name for himself in the Kenyan Premier League.
His initial time at Elfsborg was one of adaptation, making his Allsvenskan debut on October 31, 2022, as a substitute during a match against Helsingborg. Though this was his only appearance in the 2022 season, Ouma made noticeable strides in 2023, featuring in four more games.
Breakthrough in 2024
The 2024 season marked a turning point in Ouma’s career. On May 5, 2024, during matchday seven of the season, Ouma earned his first starting position and played his first full Allsvenskan game against champions Malmö at the Borås Arena.
His performances continued to improve, and on September 19, 2024, Ouma scored his first-ever Allsvenskan goal in a 2-2 draw against IFK Norrköping, further cementing his place in the team.
European Adventure: The Europa League
Ouma’s talents were not only limited to domestic competitions. On July 11, 2024, he made his UEFA Europa League debut, playing 63 minutes in a first-leg qualifying match against Cypriot side Pafos FC.
A week later, on July 18, Ouma wrote his name into the history books by scoring his first Europa League goal in the reverse fixture against Pafos, becoming only the second Kenyan player to score in a UEFA competition after Robert Mambo Mumba in 2005.
Ouma’s European journey continued to reach new heights on September 25, 2024, when he became the first Kenyan to both score and provide an assist in a Europa League group-stage match.
Despite Elfsborg’s 3-2 loss to AZ Alkmaar, Ouma’s performance received widespread praise from football analysts. His impressive display caught the attention of top scouts, who traveled from across Europe to observe.
Brentford and Luton’s Interest
Ouma’s impressive performances in the Swedish league have attracted significant interest from several English clubs. Brentford from the Premier League and Luton Town from the Championship are particularly keen on Ouma.
Reports from The Sun indicate that scouts attended Elfsborg’s Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar recently. The scouts were impressed by Ouma’s dynamic and skillful performance during the match against AZ Alkmaar.
During the 2024 transfer window, rumors emerged that Elfsborg rejected a SEK 60 million offer for Ouma.
The rejected bid, worth approximately Ksh 679 million, indicates Ouma’s rising value in European football markets.
Elfsborg’s reluctance to sell their rising star created a standoff between Ouma and the club. Reports indicate that Ouma missed Kenya’s international match against Zimbabwe in protest of the situation.
Despite the rejected bid, Brentford and Luton continue to show interest in the talented midfielder. If Ouma’s move happens, he would follow Victor Wanyama, who had a successful EPL career. Wanyama remains the only Kenyan to play in the Premier League, but Ouma could soon join him.
Transfer Challenges and Future Prospects
Ouma’s potential move to England is not the first time he has been linked with a top European club. Earlier in 2024, Serie A side Empoli expressed strong interest in signing the Kenyan international, but the deal fell through as both clubs could not agree on a transfer fee. Despite these setbacks, Ouma’s performances have remained exceptional, and his stock in European football continues to rise.
The 20-year-old midfielder is under contract with Elfsborg until summer 2026, scoring once in 18 appearances.
His strong start to the season, along with Europa League performances, has caught the attention of scouts.
Valdimarsson’s presence at Brentford may ease Ouma’s move, offering insight from Elfsborg to the EPL. Valdimarsson’s smooth transition to Brentford could provide Ouma with a helpful path into English football.
Kenyan Football’s Next Big Export?
Timothy Ouma’s journey in European football follows the trail blazed by Victor Wanyama in the EPL. If Ouma joins Brentford or Luton, he would become Kenya’s second footballer in Premier League history.
His growth, fueled by determination and talent, will likely lead him to Europe’s top football. Ouma’s persistence and skill will help him achieve his dream of playing in elite European leagues.
Timothy Ouma’s promising career faces crucial months as he aims for the next step in football. With ambition and talent, Ouma’s upcoming decisions could shape the future of his remarkable journey.