Manchester City Signs Omar Marmoush for £59 Million

Manchester City announced on Thursday the acquisition of Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Omar Marmoush, while Kyle Walker joined AC Milan on loan, as the team continues to rebuild after a poor season.

Egypt forward Marmoush has agreed to a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Premier League champions for an initial fee of £59 million ($72.6 million) plus potential add-ons worth £4 million.

He is City’s third addition of the January transfer window, joining defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis as manager Pep Guardiola reshapes his squad.

The 25-year-old, who scored 37 goals in 67 games for Bundesliga club Frankfurt, described his move to City as “an amazing feeling”.

“With Pep, his technical staff and the world-class facilities here, players have everything they need to improve,” stated the coach. “That was incredibly appealing to me when I had the opportunity to come here.
I cannot deny that I want to win trophies. City has been the most successful club in England for many years, so I know I’ll be joining a winning environment and culture.

Txiki Begiristain, director of football, described Marmoush, who has 35 international caps, as a “accomplished and exciting forward”.

“He’s had an outstanding season, and every time we have watched him, he has influenced matches,” remarked the captain.

“He possesses all of the characteristics that a world-class attacker demands. He possesses excellent pace and awareness, and he is terrific in front of the net. He can also play a variety of positions, which is a huge advantage.”

Marmoush’s arrival at the Etihad comes at a time when City’s sky-high expectations have made the season miserable.

The club, Premier League champions for the previous four seasons, is currently fifth in the rankings, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool and effectively out of the title fight.

Guardiola’s side is in risk of missing out on the Champions League knockout rounds for the first time since 2012/13, following their defeat against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.

The 2023 European champions must defeat Club Brugge next week to go to the play-off round after squandering a two-goal lead in their 4-2 loss in Paris.

I’m here & I’m ready

It’s an absolute dream come true to join such an iconic team.

Let’s make history together @ManCity pic.twitter.com/gEs8kYKHl6

— Omar Marmoush (@OmarMarmoush) January 23, 2025

City struggles 

PEP First half they had their moments and we had ours but they were better. We score a goal in five minutes and they score a goal five minutes later.

We could not control it. They were better, faster. Accept the defeat because the best team won.

We have the last chance… pic.twitter.com/mB50KI7Akw

— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 22, 2025

City began the current season strongly but faltered in late October, winning only one of 13 matches in all competitions.

Guardiola said earlier this month that he may have made a mistake by declining the opportunity to bolster his squad during the summer transfer window.

Marmoush, who has 20 goals for Frankfurt this season, fills the vacuum left by Julian Alvarez’s transfer to Atletico Madrid in August, greatly increasing Guardiola’s attacking options.

City has suffered a number of injuries this season, notably in defence.

Earlier this week, they confirmed the signing of teenage defender Vitor Reis from Brazilian club Palmeiras for a record £30 million.

It came after Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov was signed from Ligue 1 club Lens for almost £34 million.

Walker, however, is leaving the club and will join AC Milan on loan for the rest of the season.

The 34-year-old England right-back has had a rough season at City, having not started a game since the club’s derby loss to Manchester United on December 15.

Last Monday, City announced that forward Erling Haaland had signed a record-breaking new contract that will keep him at the Etihad until 2034.

The team is blowing the cash even as they await the conclusion of a significant disciplinary case.

Last year, City faced an independent commission hearing to investigate more than 100 Premier League allegations alleging breaches of its financial regulations, which the club has consistently rejected.

AFP