Oscar Bobb’s name is starting to appear more and more in transfer conversations, and this time the story feels deeper, louder, and more serious than before. What once sounded like light rumours is now turning into a real possibility, with Borussia Dortmund watching closely and the player himself beginning to question his long-term future at Manchester City. As the January transfer window approaches, Bobb’s situation has become one of the most interesting and emotional stories inside Pep Guardiola’s squad.
According to respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Oscar Bobb may push for a move away from Manchester City in the coming transfer window. That single line has sent shockwaves through fans who see Bobb as one of the brightest young attacking talents at the Etihad. Borussia Dortmund have emerged as a strong potential destination, and their interest could change everything for the 22-year-old Norwegian winger.
Oscar Bobb’s journey at Manchester City has been one of patience, growth, and quiet belief. He joined the club back in the summer of 2019, arriving as a teenager with raw talent, sharp footwork, and big dreams. City saw something special in him early on. He was brought in as a long-term project, not a quick fix, and placed into one of the most demanding youth systems in world football.
From the start, Bobb impressed coaches with his intelligence on the ball, his close control, and his confidence in tight spaces. He was never the loudest or flashiest player, but he was effective, clever, and calm. Over time, he climbed through the ranks at the club, earning promotion after promotion. His development was steady, not rushed, and that suited both the player and the club.
In 2023, Oscar Bobb finally got the call every young player dreams of. He was promoted to Manchester City’s first team. For Bobb, it was the moment that confirmed all those years of hard work had been worth it. Training every day under Pep Guardiola, alongside some of the best players in the world, was both exciting and intimidating.
Guardiola quickly made it clear that he rated Bobb highly. Publicly and privately, the City manager praised the youngster’s attitude, his understanding of space, and his willingness to learn. In another squad, Bobb might have become a regular starter very quickly. But Manchester City are not just any squad.
The competition for attacking places at City is brutal. Every position is filled with international stars, proven match-winners, and experienced professionals. Breaking into that team on a regular basis is one of the hardest challenges in modern football. For Bobb, this reality has shaped his entire City career so far.
Despite his talent, opportunities have been limited. So far, Oscar Bobb has featured in 47 matches for Manchester City across competitions. In those appearances, he has contributed seven goals. These numbers may not jump off the page, but context matters. Many of those appearances were short cameos, late substitutions, or games where he was asked to play a very specific tactical role.
This season, Bobb has been more involved. He has made 15 appearances so far, clocking close to 800 minutes on the pitch. That suggests he has a role in Guardiola’s plans. He is trusted to an extent. He is involved. But for a 22-year-old attacking player desperate to grow, learn, and express himself, “involved” is sometimes not enough.
This is where the doubts begin to creep in. Oscar Bobb is at an age where his next step matters more than ever. He is no longer a teenager happy just to be around the first team. He wants rhythm. He wants responsibility. He wants to feel important. And most importantly, he wants regular minutes.
Manchester City’s plans for the January transfer window have added new pressure to his situation. Pep Guardiola’s side are reportedly keen on strengthening their attack, with Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo high on their list. Semenyo has been in outstanding form, and his physical style, direct running, and goal contribution have attracted attention from several top clubs.
If City decide to trigger Semenyo’s release clause, it could change the attacking balance of the squad overnight. A new winger arriving in January would almost certainly reduce the game time available to players like Bobb. For a young player already fighting for minutes, that possibility is worrying.
This is why reports suggest that Oscar Bobb could push for an exit if City complete a move for Semenyo. It would not be an emotional reaction, but a career decision. Bobb understands football. He knows how quickly opportunities can disappear. Waiting too long on the bench can stall development, no matter how talented a player is.
As his future becomes uncertain, interest from other clubs has increased. Several top teams across Europe have already made approaches, but Borussia Dortmund stand out as the most serious and attractive option.
Dortmund’s reputation for developing young talent is legendary. Over the years, they have turned promising youngsters into world stars by trusting them, playing them regularly, and giving them responsibility. Players like Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, and many others used Dortmund as a stepping stone to the top of the game.
For Oscar Bobb, that pathway is extremely appealing. At Dortmund, he would not be just another option off the bench. He would be a key project. A player the club invests time and belief in. The Bundesliga club are always searching for young, technical attackers with high ceilings, and Bobb fits that profile perfectly.
A move to Germany could offer Bobb something Manchester City currently cannot guarantee: consistent starts. Dortmund are known for trusting youth in big matches, even in the Champions League. That trust can accelerate development in ways training alone cannot.
There is also the style of football to consider. The Bundesliga is fast, open, and attacking. Wingers often get more space, more freedom, and more chances to express themselves. For a creative player like Bobb, that environment could be perfect.
However, this is not a simple situation. Manchester City are not keen to lose Oscar Bobb. Far from it. His contract runs until the summer of 2029, which puts City in a very strong position. They are under no pressure to sell, and they believe Bobb’s best years could still come at the Etihad.
Given his potential, City will be extremely careful about any decision involving his future. If they do allow him to leave, it is unlikely to be a straightforward sale. A loan move could be considered, allowing Bobb to gain experience elsewhere while still remaining tied to the club.
Another option could be a permanent transfer with a buy-back clause. This has become a common strategy for top clubs. It allows City to cash in now while keeping control over Bobb’s long-term future. If he explodes at Dortmund, City could bring him back later.
Pep Guardiola’s role in this decision will be crucial. The manager values Bobb’s qualities and understands his frustration. Guardiola has always been honest with players, even when the truth is difficult. If Bobb is told that his role will remain limited, that honesty may push him toward the exit.
At the same time, Guardiola also knows that young players need patience. He may argue that Bobb’s time will come, that competition makes him better, and that staying at City will prepare him for the highest level. Convincing Bobb of that, however, will not be easy if new signings arrive.
For Bobb, this is not just about football tactics or finances. It is about identity and ambition. He wants to feel trusted. He wants to feel important. He wants to play. These are natural desires for a young footballer with international ambitions.
The Norwegian international knows that his place in the national team could also be affected by his club situation. Regular football is vital at international level, especially with major tournaments always on the horizon. Sitting on the bench at club level can make it harder to stay sharp and confident.
Borussia Dortmund understand all of this. They know how to sell a project to a young player. They know how to promise opportunity without making reckless guarantees. Their interest in Bobb is not random. It is calculated, strategic, and serious.
As January draws closer, this story is likely to intensify. More rumours will emerge. More names will be linked. But at the heart of it all is a young player standing at a crossroads.
Oscar Bobb must decide whether to continue fighting for his place at one of the best teams in the world, or take a bold step into a new environment where the spotlight could shine brighter on him. Neither choice is easy. Both come with risks and rewards.
For Manchester City, the challenge is balancing their immediate needs with their long-term vision. Letting go of a talent like Bobb too soon could come back to haunt them. Holding on too tightly could slow his growth.
For Borussia Dortmund, this could be another masterstroke. Signing a player already trained under Pep Guardiola, with Premier League and Champions League experience, would fit perfectly into their model.
As things stand, nothing is decided. But one thing is clear. Oscar Bobb’s future is no longer settled. The January transfer window could mark the beginning of a new chapter in his career, one filled with opportunity, responsibility, and a chance to truly shine.
Whether that chapter is written in Manchester or Dortmund remains to be seen. But the pressure is building, the interest is real, and the decision may come sooner than many expected.
