Transfer Carousel: Fulham Secure Bobb as Paquetá Departs

The January transfer window has reached a frantic crescendo with a series of high-profile departures and strategic acquisitions across the Premier League. At the heart of the activity, Fulham have bolstered their attacking ranks by agreeing to a £27m deal for Manchester City’s burgeoning talent Oscar Bobb, while West Ham United have reluctantly sanctioned the exit of Lucas Paquetá to Brazilian giants Flamengo.

Bobb Swaps Etihad for Craven Cottage

Manchester City have formalised the sale of the Norwegian wide forward, Oscar Bobb, to Fulham for an initial fee of £27m. The deal is structured with significant future safeguards for the Premier League champions, including a 20% sell-on clause and "matching rights," which effectively grant City a first-refusal option should Fulham agree to sell the player in the future.

Bobb’s tenure in Manchester was marked by flashes of brilliance hampered by misfortune. After debuting against Fulham in late 2023, a fractured leg and subsequent hamstring issues limited his progress under Pep Guardiola. Despite making 15 appearances this term, the 21-year-old sought a move to secure consistent first-team football.

Paquetá’s Brazilian Homecoming

In East London, West Ham have concluded the protracted sale of Lucas Paquetá to Flamengo for €42m (£36.3m). The 28-year-old midfielder had become increasingly disillusioned with life in England following a harrowing two-year investigation into spot-fixing allegations. Although cleared of all charges in July 2025, the mental toll of the ordeal proved insurmountable.

The Hammers, currently embroiled in a relegation battle, initially attempted to block the move or negotiate a loan-back clause, but the player’s adamant refusal to feature in recent matchday squads forced their hand.

Rebalancing the Hammers’ Ranks

With Paquetá gone, manager Nuno Espírito Santo has moved swiftly to recalibrate his squad. The club has secured the services of the explosive Adama Traoré from Fulham for an undisclosed fee, reunite him with Nuno following their successful stint at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Simultaneously, James Ward-Prowse has undergone a medical at Burnley ahead of a loan move. The set-piece specialist had fallen completely out of favour under Nuno, echoing a difficult loan spell at Nottingham Forest last season. Burnley hope his veteran experience will be the catalyst for their own survival bid.

Midfield Reinforcements at Villa Park

Elsewhere, Aston Villa have secured a sensational return for Douglas Luiz. The Brazilian midfielder returns to Villa Park on loan from Juventus after a brief, unsuccessful stint at Nottingham Forest was terminated.

With Youri Tielemans sidelined for up to ten weeks, Unai Emery moved decisively to bring back a player who understands the club's tactical demands. The deal includes an option to make the transfer permanent, potentially undoing the £42.35m sale made to Juventus in 2024.