After a surprising slump to end 2024, Manchester City has responded aggressively in the January transfer window, spending nearly €150 million to bolster their squad. The most significant acquisition is Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush, who joined City from Eintracht Frankfurt for €59 million.
Marmoush arrives amid questions about whether he can provide the spark needed to revive City’s campaign and help them regain their dominance in the Premier League and Europe.
A Stellar Season at Eintracht Frankfurt
Marmoush joins Manchester City in the midst of his best season yet. The 25-year-old has tallied 20 goals and 13 assists in 26 appearances for Frankfurt, including 24 goal involvements in the Bundesliga alone.
His numbers this season are remarkable, but they come with some caveats:
- Marmoush’s 15 league goals have outperformed his expected goals (xG), a feat he hadn’t achieved in previous seasons.
- His success was heavily influenced by Frankfurt’s fluid attacking system under Dino Toppmöller, which emphasized transitional play and gave Marmoush freedom to roam alongside Hugo Ekitike.
While his finishing has been excellent, it remains to be seen if he can replicate this form in the Premier League, particularly in a more structured system.
Potential Role at Manchester City
Pep Guardiola’s tactical setup will pose a significant adjustment for Marmoush. Unlike Frankfurt’s counter-attacking style, City relies on slow, possession-based play to control games. However, Marmoush’s versatility could help him adapt.
Possible Roles for Marmoush:
- Attacking Midfielder (No. 10):
With Kevin De Bruyne aging and without a clear successor, Marmoush could be groomed for a central playmaking role. - Right Forward:
Marmoush’s inclusion on the right could allow Phil Foden to transition permanently into a central role. - Left Forward:
Marmoush could start on the left, cutting inside onto his stronger right foot, a position that suits his style.
One thing is clear: Marmoush is not a traditional winger who hugs the touchline. He thrives in central areas, which could make him a delayed replacement for Julián Álvarez, whose departure to Atlético Madrid left a gap in City’s attack.
Addressing City’s Overreliance on Haaland
City’s attack has become overly dependent on Erling Haaland, making them more predictable. Marmoush’s dynamism, movement, and ability to link up play could add much-needed variety to their forward line.
In recent matches, including a win over Ipswich Town and a loss to Paris Saint-Germain, City has leaned more into attacking transitions. This shift could make it easier for Marmoush to adapt, as Guardiola’s system may meet him halfway rather than forcing him into rigid positional play.
Larger Issues at Manchester City
While Marmoush could help reignite City’s attack, the team’s struggles run deeper.
- Defensive Midfield Problems:
Rodri’s ACL injury has exposed a lack of depth in defensive midfield, which has been City’s most glaring weakness this season. Despite their January spending spree, this issue remains unaddressed. - Defensive Reinforcements:
City has added two promising young defenders, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis, to rejuvenate their aging backline. While these signings are for the future, they bring immediate depth and energy to the squad.
The Pressure on Marmoush
As a €59 million signing, Marmoush will be expected to deliver quickly. His ability to integrate into Guardiola’s system and maintain his current form will be crucial to City’s success this season.
While he may not solve all of City’s problems, Marmoush could buy them time to address their deeper issues and keep their campaign alive in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Conclusion
Omar Marmoush represents a high-risk, high-reward signing for Manchester City. His explosive form at Eintracht Frankfurt suggests he has the potential to thrive, but adapting to Guardiola’s demanding system will be a challenge.
If Marmoush can hit the ground running, he could be the key to reigniting City’s season and providing the attacking spark they desperately need. However, the success of this transfer will ultimately depend on how quickly he can adjust to life at the Etihad.
