WEEKEND SPORTS PREVIEW
Transfer special: Fulham’s deadline day push
Oscar Bobb Completes £27m Move
Fulham confirmed the signing of Norwegian international Oscar Bobb from Manchester City this morning for £27 million. The 22-year-old winger, who broke into City’s first team in 2023-24 before a broken leg derailed last season, made 15 appearances this term but fell down the pecking order after Antoine Semenyo’s arrival. Bobb said the decision was “easy basically” after speaking with international teammate Sander Berge, replacing departed winger Adama Traore who joined West Ham. Fulham boss Marco Silva was pleased – which is good news as Fulham fans are worried the manager will head off next season with additional top-level players.
OSCAR BOBB
Winger
Norwegian international who broke into Manchester City’s first team in 2023-24 before a broken leg derailed his entire 2024-25 season. Returned this term with 15 appearances but fell down the pecking order after City’s signing of Antoine Semenyo. Fulham moved swiftly to replace Adama Traore’s pace, with Bobb telling the club the decision was “easy basically” after speaking with international teammate Sander Berge.
Electric pace down the flanks • Technical dribbler who beats defenders one-on-one • Versatile across the front three • Direct runner with eye for goal
Made his Premier League debut against Fulham in September 2023, assisting the buildup to fellow Norwegian Erling Haaland’s goal. Named Manchester City’s EDS Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2023, winning back-to-back Premier League 2 titles.
Pepi Pursuit Continues
Fulham’s £28 million bid for PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi falls £2 million short of the Dutch club’s valuation. The 23-year-old United States international has scored 11 goals this season and represents a long-term replacement for Raul Jimenez, 34, whose contract expires in the summer. With Monday’s deadline looming, Fulham remain hopeful of completing the deal.
Chelsea’s Quiet Window
In contrast to Fulham’s activity, Chelsea have made just one January signing under Liam Rosenior—17-year-old left-back Yisa Alao from Sheffield Wednesday for £500,000. The Blues appear content with their squad that has delivered five wins from six matches and automatic Champions League qualification since Rosenior’s 6 January appointment.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Monday 27 January – Thursday 30 January
Rosenior’s Chelsea Roll On
Chelsea extended their excellent form under Liam Rosenior with a 3-2 comeback win at Napoli on Wednesday, qualifying automatically for the Champions League knockout stages. Joao Pedro’s second-half brace, including a Cole Palmer-assisted winner, marked the Blues’ fifth win in six under Rosenior since his 6 January appointment. Chelsea sit fifth, one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United.
Wilson Contract Standoff at Fulham
Harry Wilson is increasingly likely to leave Fulham as a free agent in the summer with just six months remaining on his contract. Several Premier League clubs have shown interest this month, though Fulham wish to retain the Wales international.
COMING UP THIS WEEKEND
Saturday, 31 January:
Chelsea vs West Ham United – Premier League, 5:30pm (Stamford Bridge)
Liam Rosenior’s Blues look to extend their impressive start under the new manager against struggling West Ham. Chelsea have won five of six under Rosenior and sit fifth, just one point behind Manchester United. West Ham arrive on a three-match winning streak but remain in 18th place. Adama Traore could make his Hammers debut against his former club. Live on Sky Sports Main Event
AFC Wimbledon vs Bolton Wanderers – League One, 12:30pm (Cherry Red Records Stadium)
Johnnie Jackson’s Dons host Bolton looking to build on their New Year’s Day victory at Orient. Wimbledon sit comfortably in mid-table on 31 points and will be confident of extending their solid run at Plough Lane.
Sunday, 1 February:
Manchester United vs Fulham – Premier League, 2:00pm (Old Trafford)
Marco Silva’s Fulham travel to Old Trafford fresh from this morning’s confirmation of Oscar Bobb’s £27 million signing from Manchester City. The Norwegian winger may not be fit enough for the matchday squad after a month out with a thigh injury, but his arrival adds significant quality to Fulham’s attacking options following Adama Traore’s departure to West Ham. Fulham will hope new signing Bobb can integrate quickly as they seek to maintain their mid-table security. Live on Sky Sports
No fixtures this weekend for:
- Harlequins Men (next match: Saracens away, 7 February, Premiership Rugby Cup),
- Harlequins Women
- Chelsea Women, or
- Fulham Women.
WHAT TO WATCH
Rosenior’s Revolution Continues: Six matches, five wins, Champions League knockouts secured, and a five-place leap up the table. Can Liam Rosenior make it six wins from seven against a West Ham side without Lucas Paqueta but potentially boosted by Adama Traore’s debut? Chelsea look transformed under their new manager, with Cole Palmer back in form after his two-assist cameo in Naples.
Transfer Deadline Drama: With Monday’s 11pm deadline looming, will Fulham bridge the £2 million gap for Ricardo Pepi? Oscar Bobb’s arrival provides width, but Pepi would give them the long-term centre-forward they desperately need with Raul Jimenez’s contract expiring and Rodrigo Muniz injured.
