During the summer transfer window, Manchester City declined three loan offers for Oscar Bobb, including one from the prestigious Italian club Lazio, as indicated by well-regarded journalist Fabrizio Romano, who shared the athlete’s statements on X, previously known as Twitter.
Pep Guardiola promoted Bobb to the City first team at the beginning of the current season following the teenager’s impressive performances for the club’s EDS (Elite Development Squad).
He participated in City’s pre-season tour in Asia and has been included in almost all of City’s matchday squads this season, featuring in seven games across various competitions.
While there were potential opportunities for Bobb to play elsewhere this season, City seemed determined not to let him leave.
According to Romano, Bobb garnered significant interest during the summer window, with clubs eager to secure a loan deal for the promising winger, despite his absence from City’s first-team debut.
City declined three offers, including one from Lazio, amid the belief that Bobb was prepared for first-team football based on his EDS performances.
Although he hasn’t made his first-team debut, Bobb has had several chances to showcase his skills and has impressed in his limited appearances, particularly in the Carabao Cup game against Newcastle United, where he received acclaim for his performance despite City’s loss.
Clearly, Bobb has earned trust within the City setup, sparking interest despite his absence from the first team and indicating the close attention paid to City’s EDS by other clubs.
While it might have been straightforward to approve a loan move for Bobb, there’s a strong belief that he can make a notable impact in City’s first team under Pep Guardiola. There’s an ongoing trend of academy products like Phil Foden and Rico Lewis not being sent out on loan.
Bobb expressed his preference not to go out on loan, citing his enjoyment at City and expressing the desire to develop at the Etihad without first experiencing football abroad.
