Swansea sign Southampton striker Obafemi on three-year deal

Jason Soutar
Michael Obafemi

Championship club Swansea City have completed the signing of Southampton striker Michael Obafemi on a three-year contract.

The 21-year-old has become the Swans eighth signing of the summer transfer window.

He was their second deadline day deal after confirming the loan signing of Liverpool defender Rhys Williams.

The losers of the summer 2021 transfer window

Williams signed a new deal at Anfield before crossing the border to sign for Swansea.

The youngster told the club’s official website: “I am buzzing, I have heard nothing but good things about the club and the manager from a few of the lads back at Liverpool, so I am delighted to be here.”

Obafemi was poised to join the Welsh club on loan in January 2021, but an injury prevented the move from happening.

He started his career in Watford’s academy and was released by the club at the age of 13 before taking a break from football.

After a successful trial with Leyton Orient, he joined Southampton in 2016.

During his time at St Mary’s, he made 39 appearances – 32 of which came in the Premier League – and scored five goals.

After scoring in a 3-1 win against Huddersfield Town in December 2018, Obafemi became the club’s youngest-ever scorer in the Premier League.

Obafemi is also a Republic of Ireland international and has one cap for his country.

The striker was linked with a move to Blackburn Rovers earlier this summer after the Championship club sold Adam Armstrong to the Saints.

Speaking last month, Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl discussed Obafemi’s future at the south coast club.

He told Hampshire Live: “The latest with Obafemi is that he is our player and he is a young player with potential.

“We have a lot of alternatives in his position and this does not make it any easier for him to play.”

He added: “We need every player this season. If he stays he must fight hard for his position. We want him to be in and around the group but if we see that he is not in the race to start then we will have to discuss what is the best thing for him.

“I don’t want to make the mistake of letting players go. I don’t want to let any players go if we think that we have got a use for them.”

Swansea City