On the 21st of January 2026, Blackpool announced the signing of versatile forward Michael Obafemi on loan from Premier League outfit Burnley on a sixth-month loan deal.
Off the back of an unsuccessful loan spell at 2. Bundesliga side VFL Bochum, making just three appearances, Obafemi joins on the hunt for improved game time in his return to English football.
Well, for starters, there is no question that Blackpool have serious injury concerns currently.
Saturday’s fixture against Bolton Wanderers saw them name just four first-team outfield substitues, highlighting just how desperate the Tangerines are for bodies in the squad.
Subsequently, they weren’t helped by Andy Lyons limping off in the 52nd minute, joining an injury list already containing key players such as Dale Taylor, Michael Ihiekwe, Hayden Coulson and Fraser Horsfall.
Under Ian Evatt, Blackpool have converted to a 3-5-2 formation, with a reliance on two physical, yet technically able strikers. In recent weeks, the two starting players up top have consistently been Ashley Fletcher and Tom Bloxham, the latter of which featuring in a slightly contrasting position to prior fixtures, as Nialll Ennis has gradually recovered from a lengthy injury layoff.
If Blackpool look to utilise his strengths, they would expect Obafemi to play relatively straightforwardly, looking to receive the ball in advanced positions and use his burst of speed to exploit space alongside heightened physicality compared to other striking options.
Writing from a 2. Bundesliga enjoyer’s perspective, my main comparisons in regard to tactical setup as well as flow of the game, is the sheer contrast between the ways in which teams go forward.
German football typically emphasises structured pressing and transitional play. Teams often use coordinated high-presses or mid-block defensive setups, focusing mainly on ball retention and building from the back, even at lower tiers (pun not intended), juxtaposing English footballs typically direct and physical nature, completely playing to Obafemi’s strengths, tending to be high-intensity and end-to-end, with a lot less focus on possession-based buildup. These tactics mirror Obafemi’s pacey, yet physical style completely.
After sliding down the pecking order at Bochum behind winger Gerrit Holtmann, alongside strikers Francis Onyeka and Phillip Hoffmann, a return to the third tier could be the catalyst to both Blackpool and Obafemi’s return to their best.
