Tottenham have wasted no time reshaping their squad this January, and attention has quickly turned to Manchester City winger Oscar Bobb as a potential replacement for Brennan Johnson. Reports suggest Spurs have already made contact with City to explore the possibility of bringing the highly rated Norwegian to north London, signalling a clear shift in their transfer focus.
The move comes after Tottenham agreed a £33.5 million deal to sell Johnson to Crystal Palace. His departure to south London has created space in the squad and freed up funds for a new attacking option.
Johnson was valued for his pace and ability to arrive at the back post, but his exit has also highlighted the team’s need for more creativity and control in wide areas. Tottenham now want a player who can unlock defences rather than simply stretch them.
For much of the summer, Savinho was seen as a top target. Spurs admired the Brazilian’s direct style and flair, and that interest has not fully disappeared. However, with Manchester City unlikely to sanction Savinho’s exit, Tottenham have looked closer to home within City’s squad and identified Bobb as a realistic and exciting alternative.
Oscar Bobb is regarded as one of the most technically gifted young players at Manchester City. Pep Guardiola has previously described him as extraordinary, praising his intelligence on the ball and his calm decision-making in tight spaces.
Despite that, opportunities have been limited this season. Bobb has made only a handful of Premier League starts, contributing one assist and still waiting for his first league goal of the campaign.
Manchester City are expected to be active in the January window themselves. With the club closing in on a deal for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, there is a feeling that one attacker could move on to balance the squad.
While players like Savinho and Omar Marmoush are not expected to leave despite limited minutes, Bobb’s situation is slightly different. At 22, he needs regular football to continue developing, and sitting on the bench does little to help his ambitions.
A major factor in Bobb’s thinking is the upcoming World Cup. He is eager to be a key part of Norway’s plans, and that means playing consistently at club level. Tottenham can offer exactly that.
Unlike at City, where competition is relentless, Spurs could provide Bobb with a clear role and the freedom to express himself week after week.
From a tactical point of view, Bobb would bring something different to Tottenham’s attack. While Johnson relied heavily on speed and goal threat, Bobb is more about creativity, ball retention, and clever movement.
He is naturally left-footed and usually operates from the right wing, drifting inside to combine with teammates and open up passing lanes. That profile could help solve Tottenham’s struggles to break down deep defences this season.
With players like Mohammed Kudus capable of playing on either flank and Xavi Simons comfortable operating between the lines, Bobb would fit neatly into a fluid attacking setup.
His presence would allow Spurs to vary their approach, offering more control in possession without losing attacking threat. In many ways, it would represent a stylistic upgrade rather than a like-for-like replacement.
There is still uncertainty around the financial side of any potential deal. Manchester City are under no pressure to sell, and Tottenham would need to decide whether a permanent move or a loan makes more sense. What is clear is that interest is genuine, and Spurs see Bobb as a strong alternative after missing out on Semenyo, who chose to join City instead.
If Tottenham can strike an agreement, this could turn out to be one of the smartest moves of the window. Bobb has the talent, hunger, and technical quality to thrive with more responsibility.
Losing Johnson was a bold decision, but replacing him with a player of Bobb’s profile could leave Spurs stronger, more creative, and better equipped for the second half of the season.
