Manchester City are once again at the centre of attention as the January transfer window moves towards its closing days. Pep Guardiola’s side are fighting hard in a tight Premier League title race with Arsenal, and at the same time, important decisions are being made behind the scenes about the future of the squad. While new signings have already arrived to strengthen the team, there are now strong signs that at least one player is set to leave the Etihad Stadium before the window shuts, and plans are already being drawn up for a major replacement in the summer.
This January has been far from quiet for Manchester City. With injuries piling up and pressure growing in the league, the club acted quickly and decisively. Pep Guardiola is known for being calm and calculated, but this season has tested even his patience. Key players have been unavailable, performances have dipped at times, and rivals have smelled blood. City knew they could not afford to stand still.
The first major move came with the signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth. The transfer raised eyebrows across England because Semenyo was also being watched closely by Liverpool and Manchester United. City moved fast, got their man, and added more pace, power, and direct attacking threat to their squad. For Guardiola, Semenyo offers something slightly different from the players he already had, and that variety could be crucial in the title run-in.
Soon after that, City made another important signing, this time in defence. Injuries to Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, and John Stones left Guardiola dangerously short at the back. In response, Manchester City secured the signing of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. It was a move many fans welcomed, as Guehi brings Premier League experience, leadership, and calmness under pressure. With him arriving, City’s defensive crisis was eased, even if not fully solved.
These two signings alone showed how serious Manchester City are about saving their season and pushing hard for silverware. However, transfer windows are not just about arrivals. Sometimes, departures are just as important, and that is now where the focus has shifted.
One Manchester City player looks set to leave before the January window closes, and it is a move that has been quietly building momentum. Oscar Bobb, the talented Norwegian winger, is reportedly on his way out of the club. According to reports from Sky Sports, Bobb has a medical booked ahead of a move to Fulham, with a deal already agreed between the two clubs.
The reported transfer fee is around £27 million, which is a significant sum for a player who has often found himself on the fringes of the first team. The deal is also believed to include a 20 percent sell-on clause, meaning Manchester City would benefit financially if Fulham decide to sell Bobb in the future. From City’s point of view, this makes the deal even more attractive.
There is no question about Oscar Bobb’s talent. He is technically gifted, quick, intelligent, and capable of playing in several attacking roles. Since joining Manchester City in 2019 from Norwegian side Valerenga, Bobb has worked his way through the system with patience and determination. He made 47 appearances for the first team, scoring four goals and providing three assists. While those numbers may not seem spectacular, they came in a team filled with world-class attackers, where minutes are hard to come by.
The reality for Bobb is that his role at Manchester City has become even smaller following the arrival of Antoine Semenyo. Guardiola already had several options on the wings and in attacking midfield, and Semenyo’s signing pushed Bobb further down the pecking order. For a 22-year-old player entering what should be the most important phase of his development, regular football is essential.
From a human point of view, letting Bobb leave feels fair. Manchester City are not blocking his path or forcing him to sit on the bench. Instead, they are allowing him to move on, test himself elsewhere, and build his career. Fulham offers him that chance, with more consistent minutes and a clear role in the team.
For City, this exit also makes sense financially. With Profit and Sustainability Rules always hanging over clubs, player sales are sometimes necessary. Bobb’s transfer could help City stay on the right side of those rules while still strengthening the squad where needed. Interestingly, based on current rumours, Bobb may be the only major player to leave Manchester City during this January window.
While Bobb’s exit seems close to being completed, attention has already turned to a much bigger issue facing the club. Bernardo Silva’s future at Manchester City is becoming one of the most important talking points of the season. The Portuguese midfielder, who has been a key figure under Pep Guardiola for years, is out of contract at the end of the season.
So far, there have been no strong reports suggesting that Manchester City are planning to extend Bernardo Silva’s deal. That silence has spoken loudly. If nothing changes, Silva could leave the club on a free transfer in the summer, bringing an end to a hugely successful chapter at the Etihad.
Bernardo Silva has had a slightly mixed season by his high standards. At times, he has struggled to find his best form, and the physical demands of another long campaign appear to have taken their toll. Still, even when not at his absolute peak, Bernardo remains a massive asset to the team. His intelligence, work rate, technical quality, and leadership are qualities that cannot be easily replaced.
He is also the club captain, a player who sets standards in training and on matchdays. Losing someone like Bernardo Silva is not just about replacing his position on the pitch, but also his influence in the dressing room. Manchester City know this, and that is why planning for life after Bernardo has already begun.
Reports suggest that Manchester City are building a shortlist of potential replacements, and one name has started to stand out. According to Football Insider, City are closely monitoring West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes. The 21-year-old Portuguese player has impressed this season and is seen as a possible long-term replacement for Bernardo Silva.
Mateus Fernandes joined West Ham from Southampton in August for around £42 million. Since then, he has made 25 appearances for the Hammers, scoring four goals and providing three assists. Those numbers may not fully capture his influence, as much of his value comes from his energy, movement, and ability to link play between midfield and attack.
West Ham, however, are not keen to sell Fernandes right now. The club are currently battling to avoid relegation to the Championship, and losing one of their most important midfielders in January would seriously weaken their chances of survival. For that reason, a January move looks very unlikely.
A summer transfer, though, is a different story. If West Ham fail to stay in the Premier League, their financial situation could force them to sell key players. From Manchester City’s perspective, that could present an opportunity. Relegation would likely reduce Fernandes’ price, making him a more affordable option.
That said, even without relegation, Fernandes will not come cheap. West Ham paid £42 million for him just months ago, and they would likely demand closer to £50 million to consider selling him in the summer. For Manchester City, that is not an impossible figure, especially if Bernardo Silva leaves on a free and wages are freed up.
From a tactical point of view, Fernandes fits many of the qualities Guardiola looks for. He is comfortable on the ball, presses well, and has the technical ability to play in tight spaces. While he is not a direct copy of Bernardo Silva, no player truly is, he offers a similar blend of intelligence and energy that could suit City’s system.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed. Transfer plans can change quickly, and Manchester City are known for keeping their options open. Fernandes is just one name on a growing list, but the fact that City are already looking shows how serious they are about preparing for Bernardo Silva’s possible departure.
As the January window edges closer to its conclusion, Manchester City appear calm but focused. The signing of Semenyo and Guehi has added fresh energy to the squad, while the likely sale of Oscar Bobb shows the club’s willingness to make tough but sensible decisions. Behind the scenes, long-term planning continues, with Bernardo Silva’s future casting a long shadow over the next transfer window.
For Pep Guardiola, the challenge is balancing the present and the future. The Premier League title race leaves no room for distraction, yet squad evolution cannot be ignored. Every decision made now could shape Manchester City’s success not just this season, but for years to come.
Oscar Bobb’s medical at Fulham could mark the end of his City journey, but also the beginning of something new. Bernardo Silva’s possible exit would close one chapter and open another. And somewhere in the middle, players like Mateus Fernandes represent the next generation waiting to step in.
Manchester City are moving pieces carefully on the board. The January window may soon close, but the story is far from over.
