Timothy Ouma, the talented Harambee Stars midfielder, has extended his contract with Swedish club IF Elfsborg, ensuring his stay until the end of the 2027 season. This new deal, announced on October 18, 2024, comes amidst increasing interest from several top European clubs, including Premier League sides Manchester United, Brentford, and Luton Town, as well as Serie A’s Empoli. Ouma’s decision to commit to Elfsborg highlights the midfielder’s focus on his development at a crucial stage of his career.
Having joined IF Elfsborg in the summer of 2022 from Nairobi City Stars in Kenya’s Premier League, Ouma’s growth has been remarkable. Over the past two years, the 21-year-old has become an essential player for Elfsborg in the Swedish Allsvenskan. Reflecting on his journey, Ouma shared his satisfaction with the progress he has made.
“I’ve worked hard since I came to Elfsborg, and now I’m finally getting the results I want, so I’m very happy to have signed a new contract,” he said.
His arrival at the club was marked by a strong debut in October 2022, when he came on as a substitute in a 3–0 victory over Helsingborgs IF. Since then, Ouma has made 34 competitive appearances for Elfsborg, steadily establishing himself as one of the top midfielders in the league. His growth has been most evident in the 2024 season, where he has transitioned from being a promising young talent to a critical figure in head coach Oscar Hiljemark’s system.
“I’ve been waiting for my chance, and when I got it at the start of the summer, I took it. Since then, I’ve been very happy with the playing time I’ve received. I think I’ve performed well, especially recently, but I still want to get better every day,” Ouma added.
His performances this season have not only cemented his position as a starter but also attracted the attention of scouts from Europe’s top leagues. However, Ouma remains grounded and committed to furthering his career with Elfsborg.
Elfsborg manager Oscar Hiljemark, who has been instrumental in Ouma’s development, praised the midfielder’s progress over the past months.
“We are delighted that IF Elfsborg and Timothy have agreed on a contract extension. He has shown excellent development, especially in recent months, and has delivered many strong performances. Now we look forward to continuing to work together,” Hiljemark remarked. Ouma’s contributions have been particularly important in Elfsborg’s midfield, where he has become a vital component of their tactical setup.
Ouma’s breakthrough has not only been felt in the Allsvenskan but also on the European stage, with Elfsborg competing in the Europa League this season. The opportunity to play in Europe has been a dream come true for the Kenyan midfielder, and he has risen to the occasion. “It’s huge for me to play in Allsvenskan, but of course, it’s even more special now that we’re also playing in the Europa League. It’s powerful to get the chance to play on the big stage in Europe, both personally and for the whole team,” Ouma stated.
His standout performances in Europe have fueled speculation about a potential transfer to one of the many clubs keeping a close eye on his progress. Manchester United, Brentford, Luton Town, and Empoli are reportedly among the teams interested in securing the services of the Kenyan international. Despite the rising interest, Ouma and Elfsborg believe that staying in Sweden is the best option for his continued development at this stage of his career.
Stefan Andreasson, Elfsborg’s club director, acknowledged the interest from foreign clubs but emphasized the importance of patience in Ouma’s career path.
“There has, of course, been interest from foreign clubs, but after good discussions this summer, we decided that continuing at Elfsborg is the best option right now,” Andreasson said. He praised Ouma’s progress since joining the club, noting that the midfielder has consistently developed each year.
“With great patience and impressive work from our coaching staff, Timothy has developed every year since he joined us from Nairobi Stars in 2022. He has shown that he belongs among the best in Allsvenskan in his position, and he has delivered strong performances in the Europa League”he added.
As the season progresses, Ouma remains focused on taking things one game at a time.
“Now, it’s all about continuing to take it one game at a time and working hard for each other in the team. The key to getting better is to keep working the way I have so far. It’s important to listen, learn, and ensure we all keep pulling in the same direction,” he concluded.