adminManchester City are expected to sanction at least one departure before the January transfer window closes.
It has been a hectic period for Pep Guardiola, with City locked in an intense Premier League title race against Arsenal while also strengthening their squad with several high-profile additions. Despite Bernardo Silva experiencing a dip in form recently, he remains an important figure in Guardiola’s setup.
City moved swiftly in the market, first securing the signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth despite competition from Liverpool and Manchester United. They then reinforced their defence by landing Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, following injury setbacks to Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and John Stones. Those moves could prove pivotal in keeping their title hopes alive, and further business—both incoming and outgoing—may still be on the cards.
Oscar Bobb close to Fulham switch
One exit now appears imminent, with winger Oscar Bobb scheduled to undergo a medical ahead of a move to Fulham. Sky Sports report that a £27million fee has been agreed, with Manchester City also inserting a 20 per cent sell-on clause into the deal.
While Bobb’s potential has never been in doubt, the arrival of Semenyo has significantly limited his opportunities in Guardiola’s side, making a move away understandable for all parties. The 22-year-old has been with City since 2019 after joining from Norwegian club Valerenga, going on to make 47 senior appearances, scoring four goals and registering three assists.
Bobb is set to become City’s first notable departure of the window as the club continue to manage their position under PSR regulations. Given the lack of strong links elsewhere, he may also prove to be their only January exit.
City line up Bernardo Silva successor
Another key issue facing Guardiola is the future of Bernardo Silva, who is due to see his contract expire at the end of the season. With no indication that an extension is planned, the City captain is currently on course to leave the Etihad on a free transfer, forcing the club to consider replacement options.
City are already drawing up a shortlist, and one name has recently come to the fore. Football Insider reports that Guardiola’s side are monitoring West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes as a potential long-term successor to Silva.
West Ham are said to be unwilling to sell the 21-year-old during the current window as they fight to avoid relegation, but a summer move could be on the table. Fernandes has featured 25 times for the Hammers this season, contributing four goals and three assists.
City would privately hope relegation pressures could reduce his valuation, though West Ham paid £42million to sign him from Southampton last August, meaning any summer deal could still approach the £50million mark.
Elsewhere, Manchester United are reportedly plotting a blockbuster move for a “phenomenal” Everton star, despite the Merseyside club insisting he is not for sale.
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