Palace Make Bold Play for Man City Starlet Oscar Bobb — A Perfect Glasner Fit?
Crystal Palace have set their stall out early for January, lodging a loan offer for Manchester City’s Oscar Bobb, according to the Daily Briefing. It’s a shrewd, ambitious swing from Oliver Glasner, who’s juggling a lean squad across domestic duties and the Europa Conference League.
Make no mistake: a mid-season move for Bobb would be a statement of intent from Palace, and the dominoes could really tumble if City push through a deal for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo — a player GIVEMESPORT say prefers the Etihad.
Palace go on the front foot
Glasner’s been clear since the summer — he wants backing. With the Carabao Cup exit easing congestion but Europe still on the agenda, the Austrian is desperate for fresh legs in forward areas. Bobb, capped by Norway and widely admired for his close control and inventive final ball, ticks plenty of boxes.
Game time has been scarce for the youngster under Pep Guardiola this season, not helped by a lengthy injury lay-off that stalled his momentum. If City’s attacking options are bolstered in January, a loan could suit all parties: minutes for Bobb, a dynamic option for Palace, and no long-term risk for City.
Why Bobb suits Glasner’s blueprint
Bobb thrives on the right but loves drifting inside into those half-spaces where matches are won. That’s tailor-made for Glasner’s shape, with two attacking mids popping into wide pockets before punching through the middle. It’s easy to picture him receiving on the half-turn, committing defenders, and slipping runners in behind.
There’s also the tactical variety: he can play as an inverted winger, a roaming 10, or even off the striker when Palace want to counter quickly. For a side chasing European places, that flexibility is gold dust.
The City and Semenyo angle
City’s interest in Semenyo could be the key that unlocks this deal. Should the champions add another forward, Bobb’s route to regular minutes narrows further. That’s where Palace can pounce, offering him a platform to play big, meaningful minutes in a side that wants to press, break lines, and entertain.
Loan, with a smart twist?
From a Palace perspective, a loan with an option — or even an obligation under certain clauses — would be a masterstroke. If Bobb explodes, they’ve protected the upside; if not, there’s no long-term hangover. Even on a straight loan, the impact could be immediate in the run-in.
One thing’s certain: Bobb brings spark. Give him confidence and the keys to those inside channels, and Selhurst Park will be on its feet. For the Eagles, it’s exactly the kind of calculated gamble that can tilt a season.
For those sizing up the odds on January movers and shakers, our hub on betting sites uk is a handy place to start.
Bottom line
Palace are pushing hard for a creative addition and Bobb fits the brief. The deal’s feasibility likely hinges on City’s own business, but the logic is sound: a Premier League-ready technician who can elevate Glasner’s attack straight away. If it happens, it could be one of the savviest bits of business this window.
