The transfer window rarely opens without a bit of drama from the blue side of Manchester, and this time, the spotlight has fallen on rising star Oscar Bobb. Amidst growing reports that German giants Borussia Dortmund are looking to lure the young Norwegian to the Bundesliga, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered a response that is as cryptic as it is telling.

When asked directly about the potential talks between Bobb and Dortmund, Guardiola did not offer the usual speech about a player not being for sale. Instead, he deflected the pressure entirely. Guardiola remarked with his signature blend of cheekiness and bluntness that if people want to know about those talks, they should ask Oscar instead of him. By pointing the microphone toward the player, Pep has effectively signaled that while the club values him, the final decision on a career move might just rest with Bobb himself.

This approach comes at a time when the financial stakes of the Premier League have never been higher. While Manchester City continues to dominate on the pitch, the business side of the league is equally competitive. Recent financial reports have revealed Manchester United top England’s most valuable clubs list, which serves as a reminder that the giants of the Northwest are constantly battling for both trophies and market supremacy. For a young player like Bobb, staying at a high-value club like City offers prestige, but the lure of guaranteed minutes in Germany is hard to ignore.

The January window is always a period of high tension and physical demand, and City is not the only club dealing with player availability issues. Across London, the Blues are managing their own roster headaches. A recent Chelsea injury update confirms Cole Palmer is ‘okay,’ but Liam Delap is set for weeks out, highlighting how quickly a squad’s depth can be tested. For Oscar Bobb, seeing how other young talents struggle for consistency or fitness might play a role in whether he chooses the stability of Manchester or a fresh start elsewhere.

If Bobb does stay, he will be part of a grueling race for silverware. The competition this season is fiercer than ever, particularly from North London. Experts have been diving into Arsenal’s title challenge and a tactical breakdown of why the Gunners lead the 2025/26 Premier League, suggesting that City cannot afford to lose any creative spark if they want to reclaim the top spot.

Fans will not have to wait long to see if these rumors affect the on-field chemistry. The holiday schedule is packed, and looking ahead to New Year’s Day 2026 football, there are some incredible Premier League matches to watch on January 1st. These games often serve as the perfect stage for players looking to make a move before the winter deadline.

While the European domestic leagues heat up, the international stage is also beckoning for many stars. As Bobb weighs his club future, other global talents are preparing for major tournaments. For instance, African football fans are currently focusing on the tactical side of the game, as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman lead the Super Eagles’ tactical preview of Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign.

Ultimately, the comments from Pep Guardiola suggest a shift in power. By telling the media to ask the player directly, he has put the ball firmly in the court of the youngster. Whether Bobb decides to fight for his place in Manchester or seek a new adventure in Dortmund, the next few weeks will be defining for the career of the 22-year-old. For now, City fans are left waiting for Oscar to provide the answer his manager refused to give.