Man City Face Oscar Bobb Exit in January if Antoine Semenyo Deal Goes Through

Manchester City face the prospect of losing promising Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb in the January transfer window, with the 22-year-old seriously considering his future at the Etihad Stadium. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed on December 25, 2025, that Bobb will actively push for an exit if Man City complete the signing of Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, whose £65 million release clause becomes active on January 1.

Several clubs have already made approaches for the talented midfielder-winger, with Borussia Dortmund emerging as the most serious suitors in recent weeks. Crystal Palace have also registered strong interest, positioning themselves as the leading domestic option should Bobb decide to remain in England.

Bobb’s potential departure would mark a significant shift for Man City’s academy graduate, whose 2024-25 campaign was decimated by a leg fracture that sidelined him for 200 days and 48 matches. With City pushing ahead to sign Semenyo, the Norwegian’s pathway to regular first-team football appears increasingly blocked.

The Semenyo Factor

Antoine Semenyo’s imminent arrival at Manchester City represents the catalyst for Oscar Bobb’s potential exit. The Bournemouth winger has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, registering eight goals and three assists in 16 league appearances.

Man City have emerged as frontrunners for Semenyo’s signature after positive discussions with the 25-year-old’s representatives. The Athletic revealed that Semenyo has a “preference” for Manchester City, citing the club’s trophy-winning project as the decisive factor.

The release clause structure protects Bournemouth from a late January sale, giving them time to find a replacement. However, if City trigger the clause in the first ten days of the window, the Cherries would be powerless to prevent the transfer.

For Oscar Bobb, Semenyo’s arrival would further intensify competition in wide areas where City already boast abundant attacking talent. Sources suggest Bobb would actively push for an exit if his pathway to consistent first-team football becomes even more congested.

Oscar Bobb’s Injury Struggles

Oscar Bobb’s 2024-25 campaign was supposed to be his breakout year at Manchester City. However, disaster struck in August 2024 when Bobb suffered a fractured leg during a non-contact situation in training, just days before the Premier League season opener.

The injury required surgery and was initially expected to sideline him for up to four months. However, the recovery proved more complicated, with Bobb missing 200 days and 48 matches before finally returning in April 2025.

Bobb finally made his comeback against Leicester City but managed only three Premier League appearances totaling 14 minutes before suffering a hamstring injury in late April. The setback forced him to miss the FA Cup semi-final and several crucial fixtures.

The injury curse continued this season. Despite scoring in the Club World Cup against Al Ain in June, Bobb suffered another hamstring injury on December 18, 2025, in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Brentford, forced off after just 20 minutes.

This season, Bobb has managed nine Premier League appearances with five starts, accumulating 467 minutes and one assist across 14 total appearances. The recurring injuries have prevented the 22-year-old from establishing himself in Guardiola’s plans.

Borussia Dortmund Lead the Race

Borussia Dortmund have positioned themselves as frontrunners to sign Oscar Bobb, viewing him as a natural fit for their renowned model of developing young attacking talent. The Bundesliga giants have made approaches for the Manchester City winger in recent weeks.

Dortmund’s track record with young players makes them attractive for Bobb. The club successfully nurtured Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens into world-class talents, providing a clear pathway to regular football that doesn’t exist at the Etihad right now.

The 22-year-old Norwegian possesses technical quality and versatility that aligns with Dortmund’s approach. Bobb can operate on both flanks and as a central number 10, offering flexibility in attacking setups.

Given that Bobb is under contract with Manchester City until 2029, a loan move away in January seems most likely. Any permanent transfer appears financially unfeasible for Dortmund, who would struggle to meet City’s valuation.

Crystal Palace offer Bobb the opportunity to gain Premier League experience without leaving England. However, reports suggest Bobb may prefer Dortmund’s proven development pathway.

Current Season Statistics and Man City Depth

Oscar Bobb’s limited playing time reflects both injury struggles and fierce competition in Pep Guardiola’s squad. The Norwegian has made 14 appearances across all competitions this season.

Manchester City’s attacking riches create fierce internal competition. Erling Haaland has scored 19 Premier League goals this season, accounting for 46 percent of City’s 41 total goals. Phil Foden has seven goals, while Omar Marmoush, signed for £59 million in January 2024, hasn’t started a Premier League game since October and has zero league goals.

The potential arrival of Semenyo addresses Guardiola’s need for a goalscoring winger but further complicates Bobb’s pathway. Guardiola praised Bobb earlier this season: “I’m so happy he is back. He is so strong, so disciplined in defensive issues, an incredible threat in small spaces. He is another quality player from the Academy.”

Despite these words, Bobb recognizes guaranteed playing time won’t materialize at the Etihad, especially if Semenyo arrives.

January Decision Time

The January transfer window will prove decisive for Oscar Bobb’s future. With Manchester City pushing to complete the Semenyo deal, the Norwegian must make a critical career choice.

Borussia Dortmund offers the most appealing development option. The German club provides a proven pathway combining regular Bundesliga minutes with Champions League experience, allowing Bobb to develop while maintaining his City connection.

Crystal Palace provides an alternative, keeping Bobb in the Premier League where he can prove himself against top opposition weekly while regaining match sharpness.

Manchester City’s preference appears to be a loan arrangement that allows Bobb to gain experience without losing him permanently. Guardiola values the youngster’s homegrown status for squad registration and sees long-term potential if injuries can be managed.

However, City’s willingness to facilitate a loan suggests they recognize the current situation is untenable. Bobb needs regular minutes, City need to reduce squad congestion, and potential suitors offer solutions benefiting all parties.

Fabrizio Romano emphasized that nothing is guaranteed until contracts are signed: “Until the deal is signed and completed, we have to be careful until the very end because in this kind of crazy sagas, anything can always happen.”

Oscar Bobb stands at a career crossroads as Manchester City pursue Antoine Semenyo and multiple clubs position themselves for his signature. The Norwegian’s injury-plagued campaign has cost him crucial development time, making January absolutely critical.

With Borussia Dortmund leading the chase and Crystal Palace offering a Premier League alternative, Bobb has attractive options promising the regular playing time he desperately needs. If the Semenyo deal completes as expected, Bobb faces an even more congested pathway at the Etihad.

For a 22-year-old eager to establish himself at club and international level, the decision appears straightforward: seek regular minutes elsewhere and return to Manchester City stronger and ready to compete. The coming weeks will reveal whether Bobb chooses Bundesliga development with Dortmund, Premier League experience with Palace, or another destination entirely.

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