Fulham are rapidly closing in on the permanent signing of Oscar Bobb, with negotiations between the West London club and Manchester City now advancing to the "final stages." According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, significant progress has been made since Fulham lodged their initial bid last week, with the Cottagers prepared to meet City’s strict financial demands.
Breaking the Valuation Deadlock
Manchester City have remained steadfast in their valuation of the Norwegian international, insisting on a fee of £35m to sanction a permanent exit. While there was initial speculation regarding a loan-to-buy structure, sources confirm that the deal currently being finalised is a straight permanent transfer. This structure suits City’s desire to book immediate "pure profit" on an academy graduate, aiding their compliance with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
For Fulham, matching this valuation represents a massive statement of ambition. Under the ownership of Shahid Khan, the club has shown a willingness to spend heavily on specific profiles—seen recently with the acquisition of Emile Smith Rowe—and Marco Silva views Bobb as a player with a ceiling high enough to become a future club-record sale.
Silva’s Persuasion Wins Out
The acceleration of talks suggests that Fulham have successfully sold their project to the player, potentially edging out competition from Borussia Dortmund. Bobb, 22, has found his pathway at the Etihad blocked by the likes of Bernardo Silva, Savinho, and Phil Foden. A move to Craven Cottage offers him the platform to be a primary creative outlet rather than a rotation option.
Tactically, Bobb fits the mould of a Silva winger perfectly. Capable of operating on either flank or centrally, his technical security in tight spaces mirrors the qualities Silva cherished in Fabio Carvalho and Willian. His arrival would inject immediate quality into a Fulham attack that has occasionally lacked a spark against low-block defences this season.
Market Reaction
The Oscar Bobb next club odds have effectively collapsed, with Fulham now the overwhelming favourites to secure his signature before the window shuts. The shift from "interest" to "final stages" has been swift, suggesting that barring a late collapse in personal term discussions, Bobb will be a Fulham player by the weekend.
For City, the sale is another triumph for their academy profit machine. For Fulham, it is a calculated gamble on a player who—if he fulfils his potential—could transform their European aspirations.