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With just hours to go in the 2025/26 summer transfer window, Championship clubs are doing everything they can to bring in new stars to make an impact after the international break.
However, for the players themselves, it’s an opportunity for a fresh start and to prove a point to those who have doubted them in the past.
That includes Michael Obafemi, who has spent the last few years dotting around the Championship on loan as well as permanently with the likes of Burnley, Southampton and Swansea City.
Now, the striker is set for a new club following the Clarets’ promotion, and it may come as a surprise to many considering his history in the EFL.
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Michael Obafemi closes in on move to German side VfL Bochum
The 25-year-old has made just 16 appearances for Burnley in his career, despite joining the Lancashire outfit in January 2023 – originally on loan.
Now, he is set to move to 2. Bundesliga side VfL Bochum on a season-long loan, as per Ben Jacobs. There is not an option to buy the striker in the deal, but once again it allows the Clarets the opportunity to see how Obafemi performs in another division.
A player who the Championship knows well, a move to Germany could be the perfect way for the ex-Swansea ace to get back to his very best.
Obafemi could make his debut for the club against Paderborn away from home on 12 September, with Bochum currently 16th out of 18th in their division.
Michael Obafemi has struggled for form in the Championship recently
Having burst onto the scene with Southampton in the Premier League, the forward’s success has been very up and down, with the last few years in particular being tough.
Therefore, it may not come as a surprise to see Championship sides ignore him this summer and a move to a different country may be the best option at this time.
He scored twice in 29 appearances for Plymouth last season, as the Greens were relegated to League One. It’s a record that would have been extremely off-putting for any second tier side and Burnley are not seeing the development that they need to right now.
A permanent move away from Turf Moor next summer seems obvious at this point, and a good year in the 2. Bundesliga may just see Championship clubs open up to the idea of bringing him back to the top of the EFL in 2026.