FORMER Saints striker Michael Obafemi has been exiled from the Swansea City squad for a second time since departing St Mary’s.

The 22-year-old Republic of Ireland international netted 12 goals in 32 Championship appearances last campaign, during his first season in Wales.

However, last November, early in manager Russell Martin’s tenure, Obafemi was left out of the Swans group due to ‘discipline issues'.

Martin explained: “Michael understands why he’s not in the squad, he agrees that he shouldn’t be in the squad, it’s nothing major.

“We spend a lot of time talking and he understands he needs to be better in a few aspects to become the player he wants to become and to become the person he wants to become.”

Daily Echo: Obafemi scores for IrelandObafemi scores for Ireland (Image: PA)

But, bouncing back to become a key player for Swansea, Obafemi attracted interest from elsewhere in the second division.

According to BBC Sport, Swansea rejected three bids for the Saints academy graduate from Burnley – including two on deadline day.

Obafemi missed Swansea’s next match with Birmingham, with Martin confirming he was not in the “right frame of mind” to play.

Ahead of their next game with Sheffield Wednesday, Martin has again ruled Obafemi out of the matchday squad.

Speaking today, he said: “Michael will be back in the squad as soon as he’s ready to be back in the squad. It’s down to him to show us he’s in the right place to help the squad."

Obafemi departed Saints in August 2021 for a fee reportedly worth £2million, having made 39 appearances for the first-team in which he scored five goals.

After a successful season scoring in the Championship, which saw him make an Ireland return and net his first international goal in June, Obafemi must bounce back from his setback if he is to prove Saints wrong for letting him go.

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