Crystal Palace given Oscar Bobb opportunity as Manchester City test Marc Guehi resolve | OneFootball

Manchester City winger Oscar Bobb could still become an option for Crystal Palace in the January transfer window as uncertainty looms over his future at the Etihad Stadium, as per a new report. 

The 22-year-old offers creativity and an excellent dribbling ability that makes him stand out in Pep Guardiola’s frontline but recurring injuries over the last 18 months have drawn questions over Bobb’s future in the north-west.

The Norway international has made 47 senior appearances for Manchester City since graduating from the academy, scoring thrice and providing four assists in the process – though his place in the attack has become elusive following the £64 million signing of Antoine Semenyo last week.

Semenyo comes with a strong reputation from his time at Bournemouth, with the 26-year-old scoring and assisting on his debut for Manchester City in a 10-1 rout of Exeter City in the FA Cup third-round at the weekend.

The Ghana international’s arrival at the Etihad Stadium has sparked concern and uncertainty over the future(s) of several Manchester City attackers, including Savinho, who despite speculation over his future is expected to stay put beyond January, having signed a long-term contract with the Blues in October 2025.

However, an exit for Bobb is looking increasingly likely and there is a high chance the forward will stay in the Premier League despite recent interest coming from the likes of Borussia Dortmund, who have been put off by Manchester City’s financial expectations from a potential deal for Bobb.

Crystal Palace – who were beaten by Macclesfield on Saturday in one of, if not, the most memorable FA Cup upsets in the competition’s history – are among a small group of clubs who have been informed about Bobb’s situation at the Etihad Stadium, according to TEAMtalk. 

It has been suggested that contact between Manchester City and Palace could develop further this week, which would be useful in a business sense given the former are actively pushing for the signature of Palace’s coveted defender and captain Marc Guehi.

Injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol – both of whom are expected to be sidelined for an extended period – earlier this month give City sporting director Hugo Viana and co no other choice but to spend in January. Guardiola is currently reliant on 20-year-old Max Alleyne and an inexperienced Abdukodir Khusanov in defence, which is a cause for concern.

Palace have also shown interest in Nathan Ake for a potential signing this calendar year and with talks progressing, it is likely the topic of both Bobb and Ake’s availability will be brought up. Ake has struggled for regular game time in the last 12 months and the 30-year-old’s prospects for the Netherlands National Team would be served well by a change of clubs.

In the past, Oliver Glasner has taken a liking to Divin Mubama, a Manchester City academy product currently on loan at EFL Championship side Stoke City, as a potential replacement for Jean-Philippe Mateta as well. 

While Omar Marmoush – who remains away at the Africa Cup of Nations representing Egypt – is also part of the speculation, it is most likely going to be Bobb who departs Guardiola’s side at some point this month or in the summer transfer window.