Fulham Close In on £40m Capture of Manchester City's Oscar Bobb
In a significant development in the January transfer market, Fulham appear to have secured a major coup, beating top-flight competitors Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United to the signature of highly-rated Manchester City winger Oscar Bobb. The deal, valued in the region of £35 million to £40 million, is reportedly nearing completion after a verbal agreement was reached between the player and the West London club.
Transfer Saga Nears Conclusion as Fulham Take the Lead
The 22-year-old Norwegian international has been at the centre of intense speculation this month, with his future at the Etihad Stadium looking increasingly uncertain. Bobb, a product of City's esteemed academy system, has not featured for Pep Guardiola's side since early December, with his last appearance coming in a Carabao Cup victory over Brentford where he picked up an injury.
This extended absence from the first-team squad has fuelled rumours of a potential departure, particularly following the arrival of Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth, which has pushed Bobb further down the pecking order at the Premier League champions.
London Rivals Miss Out on Coveted Attacker
Tottenham Hotspur had been actively monitoring Bobb's situation as they sought additional forward options following an injury to Mohammed Kudus that is expected to keep the Ghanaian sidelined until April. Despite strengthening in other areas during this transfer window, Spurs identified Bobb as a potential target to bolster their attacking resources under manager Thomas Frank.
Newcastle United had also registered interest in the young winger, with reports suggesting the Magpies were considering a move alongside their North London rivals. However, both clubs now look set to miss out as Fulham have moved decisively to secure the player's services.
Sky Sports Insider Confirms "Done Deal" Imminent
In a crucial update on Monday, respected Sky Sports transfer specialist Florian Plettenberg revealed that "Oscar Bobb and Fulham have reached a full verbal agreement", with only final details with Manchester City remaining to be sorted. Plettenberg described the move as "expected to be a permanent deal" worth approximately £35-40 million, adding the telling phrase: "DONE DEAL soon."
Guardiola's Praise Highlights Bobb's Quality
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has remained typically guarded about Bobb's future during the transfer speculation, recently stating simply: "He says he's not fit, so he's not fit." However, the Spanish tactician has previously been effusive in his praise for the young attacker's abilities and work ethic.
Following a victory over Brentford in October, Guardiola remarked: "Oscar defensively is a machine, he helped us a lot and in the final third. His one-v-one is really good and he made good decisions. I'm really pleased he played good. He is a player we trust a lot." These comments will undoubtedly encourage Fulham supporters about the quality of player their club is acquiring.
Strategic Signing for Marco Silva's Squad
The potential arrival of Oscar Bobb represents a significant boost for Fulham manager Marco Silva, particularly as the club faces potential departures in wide areas. Adama Traore continues to be linked with a move to West Ham United, while Harry Wilson could leave Craven Cottage as a free agent this summer with several Premier League clubs showing interest.
Bobb's versatility, technical ability, and defensive work rate - highlighted by Guardiola's description of him as "a machine" - make him an attractive proposition for a Fulham side looking to consolidate their Premier League status while building for the future. The substantial investment of £35-40 million underscores the club's ambition and their belief in the 22-year-old's potential to develop into a key player at the highest level.
As the January transfer window approaches its conclusion, this developing story represents one of the more significant moves in the Premier League, with Fulham seemingly outmanoeuvring more established rivals to secure a promising talent from the champions' ranks.
