Crystal Palace have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Manchester City sensation Oscar Bobb, with the Eagles reportedly edging out London rivals Fulham in the race for his signature.
According to a report from talkSPORT, the South London club have made the 22-year-old their top priority for the January transfer window as manager Oliver Glasner looks to inject fresh creativity into his frontline.
Bobb, widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted talents to emerge from the City academy in recent years, has found minutes hard to come by this season. Following his recovery from a long-term leg injury, the Norwegian international has struggled to displace the likes of Savinho, Jeremy Doku, and Phil Foden in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI. As a result, City are understood to be open to a six-month loan deal to ensure he gets the regular football needed to continue his development.
The "Glasner Factor"
While Fulham have also registered concrete interest, Palace are believed to be in pole position due to their ability to guarantee starting minutes. Glasner’s system, which relies heavily on dynamic, technical attackers operating in the half-spaces, is seen by City’s coaching staff as the perfect environment for Bobb to thrive.
The report suggests that Palace have already held preliminary discussions with the player’s camp. The departure of Michael Olise to Bayern Munich in the summer has left a creative void that has yet to be fully filled, and Bobb’s versatility—capable of playing on either wing or as a number 10—makes him an ideal candidate to pick up the slack.
City’s Stance
Manchester City remain huge admirers of Bobb and have no intention of sanctioning a permanent exit. However, they are aware that stalling his progress on the bench serves no one. Guardiola has previously described Bobb as "incredible in small spaces," and a spell at Selhurst Park, where he would face the physical demands of playing 90 minutes weekly, is viewed as the next logical step in his maturation.
What Happens Next?
With the window opening in just a few days, Palace are expected to formalise their loan offer. If they can agree on a wage contribution structure, Bobb could be unveiled at Selhurst Park early in the New Year, giving the Eagles a massive boost for the second half of the campaign.