Oscar Bobb in action for Man City, with Pep Guardiola in a circular inset
(Credit: Imago, Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Callum O'Connell
Tue 13 January 2026 11:29, UK
Man City are prepared to let Oscar Bobb leave permanently before the end of the month after completing the signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the 22-year-old is no longer part of the first-team plans and could be sold permanently.
Semenyo enjoyed a strong start to life at the Etihad, picking up a goal and an assist as Pep Guardiola‘s side beat Exeter City 10-1 in the FA Cup third round.
Bobb has been pushed down the pecking order as a result, but has no shortage of interest from clubs willing to hand him an exit route.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 15 December that Crystal Palace are interested in Bobb and could make a move this month.
Oscar Bobb looking focused for Man City
Credit: Getty Images
Man City plan to accept Oscar Bobb offer
Former financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider on 7 January that Man City could demand £30million to sell Bobb as they aim to raise a significant fee.
Borussia Dortmund are leading the race for Bobb’s signature, despite interest from Palace and other Premier League clubs, and talks over his exit could now accelerate.
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“Man City are still making big changes to their squad,” Brown told Football Insider.
“They’re looking to refresh things, bring in players, let others go.
“That deal for Semenyo was a massive one because they beat other clubs to him.
“That will now allow them to move other players on, and it seems like Bobb is one of those because he’s never quite seemed to nail down a first-team place.
“He’s one of those players who has reached a certain level, but that level is not earning him a place in the City team, so the time has come for him to move on.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola
Credit: Imago
“Especially looking at the other players they’ve now got in his position, he needs to be playing regularly and that’s not going to come at City.
“It’s not that he’s not good enough, there are just other players higher in the pecking order, so if the right offer comes in I think they’re going to accept it.”
Man City plot move to sign Marc Guehi
City are not only interested in outgoing transfers this month, with Guardiola keen to strengthen his squad in crucial areas, including at centre-back.
Injuries to both Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias have forced Guardiola’s side into the market, where Marc Guehi has emerged as a leading target.
Football Insider revealed on 10 January that Crystal Palace could accept offers for Guehi should they be presented with something too good to turn down.
Marc Guehi during a warm-up at Crystal Palace
Credit: Imago
Football Insider revealed on 8 January that Man City are prepared to offer £20million for Guehi, but that figure is not expected to force Palace’s hand.
Instead, it would take a “big, big” offer for the Eagles to let Guehi leave this month, although they have openly refused to rule out the possibility of his departure.
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