Why Wayne Rooney wanted Michael Obafemi at Plymouth Argyle

Striker Michael Obafemi needed little persuasion to sign for Plymouth Argyle, according to head coach Wayne Rooney, who believes it is a move which will work out well for both parties.

The Republic of Ireland international joined the Pilgrims on loan for the rest of the season from Championship rivals Burnley last Thursday and made his debut as a second half substitute in the 1-1 draw away to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday. Obafemi was the subject of interest from several Championship clubs, with Hull City and Stoke City among them Plymouth Live understands, but after speaking to Rooney a deal was soon agreed for him to sign for Argyle.

The 24-year-old could get his first start for his new club in the Carabao Cup second round tie against Watford at Vicarage Road tomorrow night, with Rooney expected to make several changes to his side.

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On the signing of Obafemi, Rooney said: "He fits the profile of what we are looking for. He's a very quick, strong player, he can score goals and he's an international.

"We knew there were quite a few Championship teams in for him as well. I spoke with him and explained why we wanted him and how we feel he can help us as a team, and how we can help him as a player as well. Without hesitation really he wanted to come to us, and that's what you want, you want players who want to be here so I'm really pleased."

Obafemi had a productive spell over two seasons in the Championship at Swansea City as he scored 15 goals in 32 starts and 19 substitute appearances, which led to a £3.5 million transfer to Burnley in the summer of 2023.

However, he played only twice off the bench for the Clarets in the Premier League last term, and had a 14-game, two-goal loan spell with Millwall in the second part of the season.

Obafemi's signing by Argyle was announced at 10.30pm last Thursday, by which stage the Pilgrims' squad had already travelled to London ahead of their Saturday lunchtime game against QPR.

Rooney said: "He has been doing his pre-season training. He met us at the hotel so we haven't had the chance to go through all his physical data of where exactly he's at, to do all the testing properly with him. We will do that, but he's in good shape and I think he's going to be a really good player for us."

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