Manchester City fans had a turbulent end to the year as a patch of bad results pushed them down to unfamiliar territory in the points table. The reigning Premier League champions fell out of top four, but have regained some momentum in recent weeks with back-to-back wins. Pep Guardiola is eager to make some emergency recruitments to steady the ship when the transfer window opened. The Omar Marmoush to Manchester City rumour has been quite strong in recent weeks. Why are the Citizens asking for his signature? Let’s find out.
Omar Marmoush to Manchester City: Why is It Happening?
Injuries have been a significant issue for City this season, with their limited summer spending proving costly. The only new faces were the promising Savinho and the experienced Ilkay GĂĽndogan, which, at the time, seemed like a questionable decision given the squad’s already evident lack of depth. In retrospect, it has been a blunder.
City have made it clear that they’re determined to splash the cash this January. There have been a flurry of links to new arrivals. Defenders Abdukodir Khusanov of Lens and Vitor Reis of Palmeiras, plus midfielders Ederson of Atalanta and Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad are some of the potential Man City transfer targets we have heard of lately. While the £30m signing of Savinho from Girona bolstered their forward line, they remain in need of another attacker.
Julian Alvarez’s exit has left City with a thinner attacking pool. The Argentine added crucial flexibility, able to fill in for Erling Haaland as a striker or play further back. Given Kevin De Bruyne’s injury struggles and Phil Foden’s sharp decline in form, it’s vital that they address their goal-scoring shortcomings.
It comes as no shock that City are targeting a player capable of leading the line or providing backup to Haaland. Indeed, if current form is any indication, Omar Marmoush emerges as the top contender for both positions. Moreover, the 25-year-old has been in scintillating form, scoring 18 goals and providing 11 assists for Eintracht Frankfurt.
Remarkably, only one player in Europe’s top five leagues can outshine him: his compatriot, Mohamed Salah, who boasts an impressive 21 goals and 17 assists. That’s why Omar Marmoush to Manchester City news is getting significant traction in recent times.
Omar Marmoush to Manchester City: What Impact Can He Have at City?
Marmoush’s form in the Bundesliga has been exceptional. With 13 goals in just 15 appearances, Marmoush is only trailing Harry Kane, who has 14. City could certainly use a player capable of such an impact. At present, they are heavily reliant on Haaland and have been fortunate that he has, so far, managed to avoid injury.
So far this season, he has featured in all but six minutes of City’s Premier League campaign, contributing an impressive 44% of their goals. In contrast, Bernardo Silva, Foden, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, and Jack Grealish have managed just seven league goals combined. Moreover, Marmoush offers an end product that City’s current wingers seem to lack; notably, he has taken more shots than any other Bundesliga player this season, with 64 attempts.
Marmoush would seamlessly complement Haaland if he plays alongside him, or alternatively, offer a different option when the big man is having an off day. While Haaland thrives inside the 18-yard box, Marmoush excels at navigating tight spaces. His close control would be a valuable asset for a City side that frequently comes up against low blocks and resolute defences.