Oscar Bobb to Fulham: Deal Done for £27m Permanent Transfer from Manchester City

Fulham have completed the signing of Oscar Bobb from Manchester City in a permanent transfer worth £27 million. The 22-year-old Norway international has agreed personal terms and will undergo a medical before finalizing his move to Craven Cottage. Manchester City inserted a 20 percent sell-on clause and matching rights in the deal, protecting their long-term interests. Bobb’s arrival comes as a direct replacement for Adama Traore, who completed his move to West Ham United this week. The transfer demonstrates Fulham’s ambition to strengthen their attacking options under manager Marco Silva, with Bobb seeking regular playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup after falling down the pecking order at Manchester City.

Transfer Details

The deal represents Manchester City’s willingness to move Bobb on following the £64 million signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth earlier in January. Bobb has fallen significantly in the midfield pecking order at the Etihad, with City now boasting an abundance of attacking options. Fulham moved quickly to secure the winger, with the transfer set to be completed before Monday’s January deadline.

Manchester City’s Perspective

Manchester City has allowed Bobb to depart after investing heavily in their attacking department this January. In addition to Semenyo’s £64 million signing, City also acquired Marc Guehi for £40 million from Crystal Palace, resulting in over £100 million spent on new attacking talent. City manager Pep Guardiola had previously indicated Bobb wanted to leave, stating “I think so” when asked about the winger’s future.

Bobb’s departure helps City offset their significant January spending, which brings their total investment across the last three transfer windows to approximately £430 million.

Oscar Bobb’s Career at Manchester City

Bobb joined Manchester City’s academy in 2019 as a youngster from Norwegian club Valarenga. He broke into the first-team squad during the 2023-24 season and featured regularly early in the current campaign. However, his opportunities have been drastically limited since Semenyo’s arrival.

Bobb suffered a frustrating setback when he picked up a broken leg during pre-season training in 2024, causing him to miss the entire previous season. Following his recovery, he began the current season in contention but has since slipped further down the pecking order.

Why Fulham Wanted Bobb

Fulham identified Bobb as the ideal replacement for Adama Traore, who reunited with manager Nuno Espirito Santo at West Ham. Manager Marco Silva is keen to strengthen his attacking options, particularly with Harry Wilson’s contract set to expire at the end of the season. Bobb provides cover across multiple attacking positions and offers Fulham additional width in their squad.

The Cottagers also submitted a £28 million bid for PSV Eindhoven’s Ricardo Pepi but pursued Bobb as an alternative option given the availability of the Manchester City winger.

Bobb’s Motivation

At 22 years old, Bobb is eager to secure regular playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States. His limited opportunities at Manchester City would likely have cost him minutes with the Norway national team. By joining Fulham, Bobb expects to establish himself as a regular starter and maintain his international credentials.

Borussia Dortmund and several other Bundesliga clubs also showed interest in Bobb, but Fulham moved decisively to secure his signature ahead of the January deadline.

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