IF Elfsborg ready to sell Timothy Ouma amid growing European interest

European clubs SK Slavia Praha and AS Saint-Etienne are leading the race to sign Timothy Noor Babu Ouma, a 20-year-old Kenyan attacking midfielder currently playing for Swedish side IF Elfsborg. Ouma has also attracted interest from English Premier League sides Brentford and Sheffield United, as well as Championship side Luton Town FC, and his transfer is expected to set a record for IF Elfsborg.

The Swedish club is reportedly keen to let him go, with insiders indicating they are preparing for life without the talented Kenyan. Meanwhile, the Harambee Stars midfielder is currently in Nairobi, reportedly attempting to force a move away from Sweden.

Babu began his professional career in July 2020 with Nairobi City Stars, a club in the Kenya Premier League. After completing his studies, he featured in 24 out of the 34 games played during the 2020-21 season. Following a standout performance, Babu signed with IF Elfsborg in mid-July 2022, joining the club at the end of the month after his official release from Nairobi City Stars.

Harambee Stars and IF Elfsborg midfielder Timothy 'Babu' Ouma is on the verge of a Ksh. 465 million move to Czech club Slavia Prague, according to reports.

Sources in Sweden reveal that Ouma has declined multiple offers, including lucrative contracts from Saudi Arabian clubs and… pic.twitter.com/09XvIY1WaR

— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) January 15, 2025

Ouma made his debut for the Swedish team on 31 October 2022 at the Borås Arena, coming on as a substitute in a Matchday 29 fixture against Helsingborg. This remained his sole appearance for the 2022 season. In the following year, he featured in four more matches. His breakthrough moment came in the 2024 season when he earned his first start and played a full match against champions Malmö on Matchday 7, held on 5 May 2024 at the Borås Arena. Ouma scored his first goal on 19 September 2024, helping a 10-man Elfsborg side rally to a 2-2 draw against visiting IFK Norrköping in Matchday 23.

Sources close to Elfsborg reveal that Slavia Praha and Saint-Etienne are preparing formal bids for Ouma, with figures potentially surpassing the club's previous record transfer. Brentford and Sheffield United are also monitoring the situation closely, adding to the growing interest in the player’s future.

A move to any of these clubs would mark a pivotal moment in Ouma’s career, offering him the opportunity to showcase his talent in elite competitions like the UEFA Europa League or the English Premier League.