Michael Obafemi is ‘not unhappy’ to still be a Swansea City player after Championship rivals Burnley failed with three bids for the former Southampton striker during the summer transfer window, manager Russell Martin tells Wales Online.
Burnley, during their first window of the post-Sean Dyche era, spent over £20 million on 16 new signings. Whether that is enough to secure an immediate return to the Premier League, however, remains to be seen.
Jay Rodriguez and Ashley Barnes are hardly the most prolific of players, even if the former has started the season impressively. Deadline day arrival Halil Dervisoglu, meanwhile, is yet to score a single goal in English league football.
Try as they might, however, Burnley’s pursuit of further attacking additions came to nothing with Swansea refusing to budget on their £10 million valuation of 22-year-old Republic of Ireland international Obafemi.
Burnley made three bids for Swansea City striker Michael Obafemi
“He had a turbulent few days in the transfer window,” explains Martin, adding that Obafemi should soon return to the Swansea XI.
“I don’t think he’s unhappy to still be here. He was told the move was a lot closer than it actually was at one point.
“When you think something’s there that’s beneficial in ways outside of football, then there’s going to be some disappointment. Of course, if you wanted that to happen.
“But he’s not unhappy to be here still. He understands how important the club has been for his own development and how patient everyone involved here has been.”
According to the BBC, Burnley made three bids for Obafemi; the largest of which stood at £8 million. Clarets boss Vincent Kompany made no secret of his admiration either, describing Obafemi as a ‘really good player’ in August.
The powerhouse centre-forward scored 12 times in 32 Championship appearances last season.
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