Blackpool have confirmed the loan signing of Burnley forward Michael Obafemi until the end of the season, as the club looks to bolster its attacking options in the battle to avoid relegation from League One.
The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who has Nigerian heritage, was recalled from his loan spell at Bundesliga 2 side VfL Bochum, where he made just three appearances, totalling only 30 minutes on the pitch.
Now back in the UK, Obafemi is determined to make an immediate impact at Bloomfield Road. Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “It feels great, and I’m thankful for this opportunity to play here.
“I’ve learned a lot about myself recently, and it’s a great time for me to come back to the UK. I’m here to score goals and try and help the side climb up the table and get to where it needs to be.”
Evatt highlights Obafemi’s potential impact
Blackpool head coach Ian Evatt is optimistic about what Obafemi can contribute during the second half of the campaign.
“Michael is very talented and for us to be able to bring in a player of his quality is really exciting. He has a history of scoring goals in the Championship and has Premier League experience too,” Evatt explained.
The head coach added: “He has a point to prove and is desperate to get back to where he was in his career not too long ago. That can only bode well for us.”
Obafemi’s return to English football represents a chance for both the player and the club: for Blackpool, it is an injection of top-level experience in the forward line; for Obafemi, it is an opportunity to rediscover his form and remind the wider footballing world of his goalscoring ability.
With the League One season entering its critical stages, all eyes will be on Obafemi to see whether he can deliver the goals Blackpool need to secure their status and reignite his career in English football.
