Manchester City’s squad is rarely still. Each transfer window brings fresh competition, subtle shifts in hierarchy and difficult decisions for players on the fringes.
As the Sky Blues continue to reshape their attacking options, attention has once again turned to those whose routes into the starting line-up are becoming increasingly narrow.
The potential arrival of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has been interpreted by many as another signal of City’s intent to refresh and strengthen their wide areas.
Semenyo’s profile – powerful, direct and already proven at top-flight level – fits neatly into Pep Guardiola’s preference for adaptable forwards who can operate across the front line.
However, while new signings often generate excitement, they can also bring uncertainty. For players still trying to establish themselves, each addition increases the competition for minutes.
Among those now facing renewed scrutiny is Oscar Bobb, a player long regarded as one of the most technically gifted products of City’s academy system.
Bobb’s rise through the ranks has been steady rather than spectacular. Trusted by Guardiola to make appearances across competitions, the Norwegian has shown flashes of quality, intelligence in tight spaces and the tactical discipline demanded at the Etihad Stadium.
Yet, this season, his involvement has been limited. He has made just nine Premier League appearances, most of them short cameos late in games, offering glimpses rather than sustained influence.
In a squad packed with established internationals and match-winners, opportunities are hard-earned. City’s relentless pursuit of trophies leaves little margin for experimentation, and rotation is often driven by tactical necessity rather than player development.
As a result, Oscar Bobb’s progress appears to have stalled slightly, not due to a lack of talent, but because of the environment in which he finds himself.
That reality has fuelled debate in Norway about whether a move away from Manchester could be the best step for the 22-year-old at this stage of his career.
According to Sport Witness, Norwegian broadcaster TV2 has weighed in on the discussion, with journalist Simen Stamsø-Møller offering a clear verdict on Bobb’s situation.
“Absolutely brilliant, sounds like a great solution,” Stamsø-Møller said. “There are several reasons for this. First and foremost for Oscar Bobb’s own part.”
Stamsø-Møller’s assessment does not question Oscar Bobb’s progress and quality or his long-term potential. Instead, it reflects a broader understanding of the unique challenges facing young players at elite clubs like Manchester City.
With success on multiple fronts almost expected, the threshold for regular involvement is exceptionally high.
Bobb has already made 47 senior appearances for City across competitions, a respectable tally for a player still early in his career.
Yet appearances alone do not always equate to development. Short bursts off the bench, while valuable, can limit a player’s ability to build rhythm, confidence and physical resilience over the course of a season.
“He has experienced a lot and come a long way but has a lot left to prove and probably some development left,” Stamsø-Møller added. “He gets that by playing steadily at as high a level as possible.”
This is a dilemma City have faced repeatedly with their academy graduates. The likes of Cole Palmer and James McAtee encountered similar situations, where talent was evident but pathways were blocked by world-class alternatives.
Both players eventually moved on to seek regular football elsewhere, decisions that have so far proven beneficial for their careers.
For Bobb, the question is not whether he can succeed at Manchester City, but whether staying offers the best conditions for growth right now.
Guardiola has often spoken about the importance of timing, and history suggests that a well-chosen move can accelerate development more effectively than waiting patiently for opportunities that may never fully arrive.
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One club frequently mentioned as a potential destination is Borussia Dortmund. The Bundesliga side have built a reputation for identifying young attacking players and giving them the platform to develop through consistent game time.
From Jadon Sancho to Jude Bellingham, Dortmund’s track record is well established, and their willingness to trust emerging talent stands in contrast to the intense competition found at Europe’s most dominant clubs.
“I think Borussia Dortmund will suit him very well,” Stamsø-Møller explained. “They’re known for taking care of players and developing. It’s a worse league, but he gets to develop more athletically.
“I see the most advantages in this. A move to Dortmund could also prove to be a perfect solution for the Norwegian national team.”
Regular minutes at club level often translate into greater confidence and sharper performances for national teams. For Norway, managing Oscar Bobb’s progress and nurturing his talent are priorities, particularly as they look to build a competitive squad around a new generation of players.
