Manchester City strike loan agreement with Borussia Dortmund over Oscar Bobb
Oscar Bobb is edging closer to a temporary switch to Germany after Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund reached an agreement in principle for the Norwegian winger to join the Bundesliga side on loan for the remainder of the season, according to reports in Germany.
The 22-year-old remains highly regarded by Pep Guardiola and senior figures at the Etihad Stadium, but his pathway to sustained first-team football has been disrupted by a combination of injury setbacks and growing competition in City’s attacking ranks.
Bobb’s 2024/25 campaign proved particularly frustrating after he suffered a leg bone fracture during the opening week of the Premier League season, ruling him out for a prolonged period despite an eye-catching pre-season tour. Just as he began to regain momentum, another setback followed when he was forced off early with a hamstring issue during City’s Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Brentford.
Uncertainty surrounding his minutes inevitably fuelled transfer speculation. Crystal Palace were among the Premier League clubs monitoring his situation, with reports suggesting Manchester City would be open to discussions as part of their broader squad management strategy.
Now, according to SPORT1, Borussia Dortmund are close to finalising a loan deal that would see Bobb move to the Signal Iduna Park until the end of the current season. However, the report adds that the agreement is contingent on Antoine Semenyo completing his expected transfer from Bournemouth to Manchester City, with the Ghana international widely anticipated to arrive by the end of the weekend.
The same report indicates that Dortmund could also secure an option to make the move permanent in the summer, with a potential €30 million buy clause included in the agreement.
From Bobb’s perspective, a spell in Germany would represent a familiar and well-trodden pathway. Dortmund have a proven record of developing young attacking talent in demanding environments, while City would benefit from seeing the winger gain regular minutes without immediately closing the door on a long-term future at the Etihad Stadium.
The expected arrival of Semenyo would further soften the short-term impact of Bobb’s departure, easing attacking depth concerns while allowing the Norwegian to rebuild fitness and confidence away from Guardiola’s rotation-heavy system.
FAQ
Is Oscar Bobb leaving Manchester City permanently?
No. The current agreement is for a loan move, although Borussia Dortmund may have an option to buy in the summer.
Why is the deal linked to Antoine Semenyo?
Manchester City want attacking cover in place before sanctioning Bobb’s departure, making Semenyo’s arrival a key condition.
How much could Dortmund pay to sign Bobb permanently?
Reports suggest the deal could include a €30 million option to buy.
Why is Dortmund a good move for Bobb?
Dortmund are renowned for developing young players and offering regular minutes at a high competitive level.
Conclusion
The proposed loan to Borussia Dortmund could prove a defining moment in Oscar Bobb’s career. With Manchester City carefully managing their attacking depth and Dortmund offering a platform for growth, the coming days may determine whether this move becomes a short-term reset or the beginning of a longer-term shift away from the Etihad Stadium.
