Manchester City may not need to dip into the transfer market for attacking recruits this summer, regardless of whether Riyad Mahrez is granted his move to the Saudi Pro League. Pep Guardiola’s side have several youngsters awaiting opportunities at the club, and academy graduate Oscar Bobb looks the next in line to make the step up.
City could be set to lose two right-wingers this summer, with Bernardo Silva reportedly favouring an exit to Paris Saint-Germain despite last season’s treble. Barcelona and several Saudi sides are also keen on the Portugal international.
Though Mahrez appears to be closer to an exit from the Etihad Stadium this summer, with the forward agreeing terms on a move to Al Ahli. The ex-Leicester star will pen a lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia if a fee between the clubs is agreed upon, with City demanding at least £30million for the services of the 32-year-old.
Losing two players in the same position may spark speculation that replacements are required, though City have several stars in waiting that are hopeful of following in the footsteps of Phil Foden and being integrated into Guardiola’s side. Cole Palmer, Carlos Borges and James McAtee are among the likely candidates, though Bobb looks like the next rising talent from the club’s academy.
The 19-year-old shone in the Premier League 2 last season, scoring six and assisting 17 in 26 appearances. The winger’s performances earned plenty of plaudits, with Bobb being awarded the Elite Development Squad Player of the Year as a result – for the second successive year.
The teenager also impressed for the Norwegian Under-21s at the European Championships over the summer and now looks ready to make the step up to the first team, with Norway international manager Stale Solbakken confirming previously that Bobb has been in his considerations recently.
Speaking about a first-team call-up last month, the versatile forward explained: “I don’t know if I’m next in line there anyway, so I don’t think anything of it. I hope to impress when I return to Manchester. If [a first-team promotion] happens, I’m happy, but I don’t know anything yet, so I can’t comment on it.”
It remains to be seen whether Bobb remains at City next season and is allowed opportunities to impress in cup competitions – as Foden was when he was drip-fed first-team minutes by Guardiola previously – or a loan stint is the preferred option for his development so that he can gain valuable experience elsewhere.
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