Oscar Bobb Becomes One of Manchester City’s Most Valuable Academy Sales

A promising talent, a profitable decision

He was one of the academy products fans never forgot. His stunning goal against Newcastle United during Manchester City’s fourth consecutive Premier League title run remains fresh in the memory of the Etihad faithful. But rather than keeping him on the fringes of the first team, City opted for a lucrative exit.

Oscar Bobb is now officially a Fulham player through 2031. The deal brings £27 million (just over €31 million) into City’s coffers, reinforcing the club’s reputation for selling smart as well as spending big.

Reports in England add that while City did not include a buy-back clause, they did secure 20 percent of any future transfer fee, further underlining the strength of the operation.

From first-team breakthrough to injury setbacks

The versatile Norwegian attacker, a full international with Norway, broke into Pep Guardiola’s first team during the 2023–24 season, making 26 appearances across competitions. Expectations were high that the following campaign would mark his full consolidation at elite level.

Instead, a fractured fibula sidelined him for most of the 2024–25 season, limiting his impact to just six matches and two goal contributions. The pattern repeated this year. After featuring intermittently early on, a thigh injury ruled him out for another six weeks.

During that absence, City moved decisively in the market, signing Antoine Semenyo, whose immediate adaptation narrowed Bobb’s pathway. With competition fierce and minutes scarce, an exit became inevitable. Borussia Dortmund also explored a potential move before Fulham sealed the deal.

Fulham’s bet, City’s latest academy windfall

For Fulham, Bobb represents a significant investment in youth and upside. The 22-year-old has already made 15 appearances in the 2025–26 season, starting nine matches and registering one assist.

The move mirrors previous Fulham bets on young talent from the traditional Big Six, similar to the signing of Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal. With a fee of €31 million, Bobb now shares the distinction of being the second-most expensive signing in Fulham’s history.

Top 10: Manchester City’s most expensive academy sales

Bobb’s departure places him firmly among the most valuable academy products ever sold by Manchester City, a club that has mastered the balance between development and profitability.

1. Cole Palmer – €47M (Chelsea)
2. Shaun Wright-Phillips – €31M (Chelsea)
3. Oscar Bobb – €31M (Fulham)
4. James McAtee – €25M (Nottingham Forest)
5. Taylor Harwood-Bellis – €23M (Southampton)
6. Roméo Lavia – €22M (Southampton)
7. Liam Delap – €18M (Ipswich Town)
8. James Trafford – €17M (Burnley)
9. Carlos Forbs – €14M (Ajax)
10. Gavin Bazunu – €14M (Southampton)

Guardiola’s trust, a respectful farewell

“Leaving City, I take nothing but incredible memories,” Oscar Bobb said in his farewell message. “I want to thank everyone for the guidance and support — Pep, the coaches, my teammates and the amazing City fans.”

While Guardiola consistently praised Bobb’s talent and attitude, the Catalan coach acknowledged that the player had expressed a desire to move during the winter window. True to policy, Manchester City did not stand in his way.

A golden academy that keeps delivering

Bobb is simply the latest example of City’s academy success. He shared youth-team dressing rooms with Cole Palmer, Liam Delap and James McAtee — all of whom have generated substantial transfer income.

Across the last four seasons alone, Manchester City have earned an estimated €270 million from academy sales. A remarkable figure that proves the club not only builds champions, but also knows exactly when to cash in.

Big spending may dominate the headlines, but behind the scenes, City’s academy continues to be pure gold.

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