Borussia Dortmund and Fulham Enter Two-Horse Race for £30M Manchester City Forward

Oscar Bobb is increasingly likely to leave Manchester City before the January transfer window closes, with Borussia Dortmund and Fulham emerging as the two frontrunners for the 22-year-old forward, according to a new report.

The Norway international has struggled to establish himself under Pep Guardiola this season, largely due to recurring injury problems that have disrupted his rhythm since the start of the 2025/26 campaign. As a result, City are now prepared to sanction his departure in the final weeks of the window.

Manchester City have already bolstered their attacking options with the high-profile arrival of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, as Guardiola looks to close a seven-point gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal and keep the club competitive across four competitions in the second half of the season.

City’s form, however, has been far from convincing. With just two wins in their last seven matches in all competitions, Guardiola’s side are enduring one of their most difficult spells in recent years. A damaging 3-1 Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt earlier this week only intensified scrutiny on the squad, prompting the leadership group to refund ticket costs to 374 travelling supporters.

Despite defensive reinforcements arriving in the shape of Marc Guehi’s £20 million move from Crystal Palace, City’s attacking depth remains under review. With Semenyo expected to return to the starting XI against Wolves this weekend, Guardiola appears comfortable trimming excess options in forward areas.

According to Mail Sport’s Jack Gaughan, Fulham have positioned themselves strongly in the race for Bobb. Marco Silva is personally driving the west London club’s interest, with City believed to value the winger at around £30 million. Fulham are understood to favour a permanent deal.

Borussia Dortmund remain firmly in contention, having tracked Bobb’s development closely. However, financial considerations could prove decisive, with the Bundesliga side exploring the possibility of a loan deal this month, potentially coupled with an obligation or option to buy at the end of the season.

With City unlikely to make further major signings before deadline day, outgoing business is expected to dominate the closing stages of the window. Bobb’s departure would represent a notable shift for a player once viewed as a long-term attacking option, but one now seeking regular minutes to reignite his career.

Conclusion

Oscar Bobb’s future at Manchester City appears to be reaching a crossroads, with Fulham and Borussia Dortmund locked in a two-horse race for his signature. As City reshape their squad to reignite a faltering campaign, Bobb’s exit could provide him with the fresh start and consistent playing time he needs, while offering City a valuable asset sale during a critical transfer window.

FAQ

• Q: Why is Oscar Bobb likely to leave Manchester City?
  A: Recurring injuries and limited impact this season have pushed City to allow Bobb to seek a move for regular first-team football.
• Q: Which clubs are interested in signing Oscar Bobb?
  A: Fulham and Borussia Dortmund are currently the leading contenders.
• Q: How much do Manchester City value Oscar Bobb?
  A: City are believed to value the Norway international at around £30 million.
• Q: Do Fulham or Dortmund prefer a permanent deal?
  A: Fulham are pushing for a permanent transfer, while Dortmund may favour a loan with a future purchase option.
• Q: Will Manchester City sign a replacement if Bobb leaves?
  A: City are not expected to make major attacking additions, having already signed Antoine Semenyo earlier in the window.