Oscar Bobb could join Borussia Dortmund following the report that he is close to sealing a temporary move away from City to the German club. Dortmund set to bring the Norwegian winger to the Bundesliga on loan for the rest of the season, according to reports from Germany.
The 22-year-old has long been viewed as one of the most exciting young players within City’s development system, admired by manager Pep Guardiola and senior figures at the club.
However, a combination of injury setbacks and fierce competition for places in one of Europe’s most talent-rich squads has limited his chances of establishing himself as a regular starter.
With the second half of the campaign approaching, City appear ready to allow Bobb gain valuable first-team experience elsewhere, while Dortmund are positioning themselves to offer him a platform to relaunch his season and continue his development at a high level.
Injuries and competition stall Bobb’s progress at City
Bobb’s season has been defined more by frustration than momentum. After impressing during Manchester City’s pre-season tour and raising expectations that he could play a more prominent role, his progress was abruptly halted by a serious injury.
A fractured bone in his leg, sustained during the opening week of the Premier League campaign, ruled him out for a significant portion of the 2024/25 season.
The timing of the injury proved particularly cruel. Bobb had been pushing hard to force his way into Guardiola’s plans after showcasing his technical quality, movement and composure in pre-season matches.
Instead, he spent months on the sidelines, watching City navigate domestic and European competitions without him.
Just as he began to regain fitness and sharpness, further misfortune followed. Bobb was substituted early in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Brentford after suffering a hamstring problem.
During the January transfer window, speculation around Bobb’s future intensified. Crystal Palace were among the Premier League clubs linked with a possible approach, with reports suggesting City would listen to offers as part of a broader evaluation of their squad. Interest from Germany, however, has now moved fastest.
German outlet SPORT1 reports that Oscar Bobb could join Borussia Dortmund, explaining that the club are on the verge of completing a loan deal that would see him spend the remainder of the season in the Bundesliga.
Dortmund’s pursuit reflects their long-standing strategy of targeting young, high-potential players capable of thriving in an attacking system built on pace, creativity and bravery.
Dortmund opportunity and City’s long-term thinking
While the framework of the move is reportedly in place, the deal is said to be dependent on Manchester City completing their own transfer business.
It is understood that the agreement can only be fully finalised once Antoine Semenyo completes his move from Bournemouth to City, with the expectation that the Ghanaian forward will arrive at the Etihad Stadium before the end of the weekend.
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Semenyo’s anticipated arrival would help bolster City’s attacking options in the short term, allowing Guardiola to sanction Bobb’s temporary departure without weakening his squad during a crucial stage of the season.
For Dortmund, the proposed deal carries added significance beyond a simple loan. Reports suggest the German club would have the option to make the move permanent in the summer, with a buy clause believed to be set at around €30m.
That structure reflects Dortmund’s confidence in Bobb’s potential and their willingness to invest if he proves himself in the Bundesliga.
The move would follow a familiar pathway for Dortmund, who have built a reputation for developing young players into elite performers under intense scrutiny.
From Jadon Sancho to Jude Bellingham, the club has consistently provided a platform for emerging talents to play regular football while competing at the highest level.
