We can start off today with the Michael Obafemi transfer at last completed. We’ve had a chat with a big supporter of this website who has also experienced the sadness of a family member being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and who is a well liked Swansea character. He also knows a false flag when he see’s one, you can put your ‘shirt’ on that.

It’s definitely been a time for getting your bids in and forgetting what you are up against.

There were of course numerous clauses in Michael Obafemi’s agreement to join Burnley and the main factor were his appearances reaching ten whilst his loan played out. The promotion of Burnley was also preferred but not by Swansea, that was a Burnley clause which clicked in on the day Obafemi also made ten appearances for the Clarets on Friday evening. This has worked well for the Swans as the Clarets were also paying Obafemi’s salary of around fifty thousand pounds a month. No loan fee has been divulged and Swansea are keen to keep the transfer fee as undisclosed. Suffice to say it’s far lower than the initial request of seven million pounds of last season, our source believes it to be three.

Some will say that Michael Obafemi has forced his way in to this deal, and we agree entirely. His behaviour within the squad has been disruptive at times despite Russell Martin standing up for him in the press. However, Martin has also disclosed some of the behavioural issues. The last issue was Obafemi’s reaction to not being allowed to sign for Burnley when they offered a derisory fee for him in the summer of last year. That kicked off another spate of misbehaviour, late training arrivals, a very odd understanding of the situation and disciplinary issues within the training environment, He had basically decided he wasn’t going to be a part of the clubs goals. That went on for some six weeks.

Russell Martin made it clear at the time. "Michael will be back in the squad as soon as he’s ready to be back in the squad. That’s where we’re at. It is what it is. Obviously, he had a turbulent few days during the transfer window. After that, it’s down to him to show us he’s in the right place to contribute to the group. As soon as he is, he’ll be back in and ready to go." As we know the Swansea ethic under Martin is a total team first environment that is unified as one. We saw that in the win against Cardiff. Obafemi just wasn’t participating and the face pulling antics behind coaches backs and general behaviour was his way of putting the focus on him and not the bigger picture.

None of this did any good for him nor the club that paid him.

It has to be said, when focussed and when committed there is no better player for any club than Obafemi. He is lightening fast and scores goals. Not as many possibly as some would think though, with fifteen bagged in fifty one Swansea games. That’s over one in three but the danger he presents in front of goal concentrates defenders minds. His presence takes their minds off other duties, it’s not all about what you see. The Dublin born man now has a golden opportunity as he will be a premier league footballer next season. He won’t get another chance like this in his career. He is is still young at twenty two to develop more and hopefully learn from his Swansea experience. His time at Burnley could be a springboard to greater things. Generally in life you reap your own rewards and also what you sow. Michael has his fresh start and exactly what he wanted.

That has been achieved by Obafemi’s hard work to be where he is today, put aside his decision making during stressful times and there’s a real footballer in there. Someone who can create more
personal goals and enjoy his life, that’s important for a young man with his potential. We do know as well Michael is a genuinely nice young man, a bubbly and friendly character with a big heart. Put all that together under Vincent Kompany and this player could shine. Take the hits, roll with the less meaningful moments and disappointments and become the man Russell Martin really wants you to be.

The first crossroads of Michael’s career are with him, behaviourally and most certainly as a professional footballer. We wish him well despite the variety of incidents he had at Swansea City. He is no longer an issue for Russell Martin to manage, and for that alone he will be extremely grateful for that.

Photograph licensed from Reuters