Who is Sheffield United’s record-breaking target Timothy Ouma? | OneFootball

Sheffield United have been linked with many players this January leading us to write many “Who is X player?” articles. Most of the Blades’ rumoured targets so far have been EFL regulars meaning most Blades will have heard something about them.

But, the latest January target, first linked in November, is more unknown than any rumoured signing so far. He could also become his current club’s record sale. So, who is IF Elfsborg’s attacking midfielder, Timothy Ouma?

Youth Career

Timothy Noor Ouma, 20, was born in Nairobi, Kenya. Being born in the country’s capital would play a big part in Ouma becoming a footballer.

Ouma began playing football with the Runda Youth Sports Association (RYSA) in 2012. RYSA are a non-profit community organisation operating in Nairobi’s slum areas since 1996. The organisation’s mission is to improve the quality of life of young people.

He stayed with RYSA until 2017 when he moved onto Laiser Hill Academy, where he stayed until 2020 before joining Nairobi City Stars.

After Ouma returned to the academy, where he completed his studies, in 2021, the academy was full of praise for him.

Dean of Students Tony Kingori, speaking to Mozzart Sport, said: “Timothy Ouma has been a great revelation of talent from our school to this great club. We won many awards with him and wish him all the best in his future.”

It is clear from his youth career alone, that Ouma is well-regarded in his home nation and has been a great prospect from a young age.

Nairobi City Stars

In July 2020, Ouma signed his first professional contract with Nairobi City Stars aged 16. He signed a three-year deal with Simba Wa Nairobi (the Lions of Nairobi) and impressed in his first season.

He played 24 of the club’s 34 league games in his debut season. In his second season (2021-2022), Ouma scored his first City Stars’ goal during the season’s opening game. He then scored once in the next two games against Kenya Police and Wazito. He ended his second season with seven goals to his name.

With seven goals in 56 appearances for the Nairobi City Stars, Ouma moved on to IF Elfsborg.

IF Elfsborg

In July 2022, IF Elfsborg annnounced the signing of Ouma. He made his Elfsborg debut on Halloween 2022 against Helsingborg. The game was towards the latter stages of the Swedish League season which runs between April and November. It would be his only appearance for the men’s side in the 2022 season. Although, he won the Allsvenskan U21s league with the club’s youth side.

In the 2023 season, his first full season in Sweden, Ouma made five appearances for the senior team. With Elfsborg finishing second in the Allsvenskan league.

In the 2024 season, which ended on 10 November last year, Ouma’s involvement in the side increased greatly last season. Likely the reason behind the rumoured interest from Sheffield United, Brentford and Luton Town.

Ouma played 23 times for Elfsborg in the league scoring once and getting two assists. But where he was most impressive is in this season’s Europa League. He scored twice and got an assist in 13 matches. He got the opening goal against Pafos FC in the qualifiers. Before getting a goal and an assist against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League’s League Phase. With his teammates finishing 24th and sneaking into the Round of 16 playoff round.

The Stats

Statistically in 2024, Ouma’s main passing trait was his long passes. He played 56 successful long balls with an accuracy of 62.9% across the season. His successful pass rate (77.6%) could be improved compared to other midfielders at the level.

Ouma is comfortable in possession completing 19 successful dribbles with a success rate of 59.4%. Defensively, he won 29 tackles despite being more attacking-minded. He was among the top midfielders for interceptions made (34) and blocks (10). His strongest defensive stat though was his aerial duels won (19) likely due to him being 6 foot tall.

His time at IF Elfsborg suggests a young midfielder with a lot of potential who has been gaining a wealth of experience in domestic and European football.

International Appearances

Timothy Ouma has become a fairly regular member of Kenya’s national team since his debut on 11 November 2021 against Uganda coming on in the 72nd minute.

Ouma had to wait until June of last year to make his first Kenya start. It came against Burundi in a 2026 World Cup Qualifier. So far, he has made nine appearances for the Kenyan national team.

Takeaways

Ultimately, the Blades will have a tough task if there is concrete interest from a Premier League side like Brentford. Ultimately, Ouma could be a risky but top signing for the Blades. Despite, his age, Ouma has very good experience in top-flight and European football, impressing everywhere he’s played.

With any deal for Ouma likely becoming Elfsborg’s biggest ever sale, it’s important United don’t overspend. He could potentially be a top player. But until he plays in the top two English league’s his signing is partially risky.