Competition from Dortmund
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In January 2024, 20-year-old Oscar Bobb scored a stunning late winner during a 3-2 victory at St James’ Park. This moment proved crucial as Manchester City ultimately clinched the Premier League title by a narrow one-point margin. Praised for his performances during the pre-season of 2024, Bobb was anticipated to be Pep Guardiola’s starting right winger for the upcoming 2024/25 season. However, a significant injury sidelined him for the majority of that campaign.
Last year, Guardiola expressed his admiration for Bobb, stating, “I have a lot of incredible, good opinions about him. His intuition is extraordinary. The moment he frees his mind, he can do it.” Unfortunately, with the recent €72 million acquisition of Antoine Semenyo, Bobb’s future at the Etihad seems uncertain, and he is now expected to make a move this January.
Recent reports indicate that Fulham is at the forefront of the race to acquire him, with negotiations for a permanent transfer reportedly in progress, estimated at around €40 million. German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund is also expressing interest, poised to decide on a potential bid soon. So, what has hindered Bobb’s time at Manchester City?
Challenges Faced by Oscar Bobb at Man City
The primary obstacle in Bobb’s path to establishing himself as a regular starter at Manchester City was the severe injury he sustained right before the start of the 24/25 season. A broken leg kept him out of 48 matches across club and international commitments. Recovering from such a significant injury is always challenging, and he has since missed an additional 16 matches due to smaller fitness issues. Despite this setback, the 22-year-old has shown remarkable resilience, returning to fitness and starting the first three Premier League matches of the season. Unfortunately, further injury concerns, combined with stiff competition within the squad, have limited him to just two additional starts since then.
The second issue impacting Bobb’s chances at City is the significant financial investment made in players occupying similar positions. Currently, Manchester City boasts eight first-team players capable of playing on the wings, including Bobb. This group carries a total market value of €422 million, with a combined transfer expenditure of €319 million. As new arrivals like Semenyo and Omar Marmoush are signed for substantial fees and given lucrative wages, there is a natural expectation that they will see considerable playing time, which inadvertently affects Bobb’s opportunities.
While a potential €40 million transfer to Fulham poses a risk due to Bobb’s injury history and fitness issues, it could also be a strategic move. Although his current market value stands at €25 million, if he can replicate the impressive form that once led former City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain to label him the best player in the academy, his value could increase significantly. Conversely, if his injury problems persist and he fails to regain his former prowess, this transfer could prove to be a misstep.
