Aston Villa ‘front of the queue’ for £59m Man City star alongside Tottenham as manager gives approval for exit
Aston Villa could still be in the market for further attacking options despite making positive steps in their pursuit of Tammy Abraham
Highly-rated Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush has emerged as a potential late transfer target for Aston Villa this month, according to reports.
The talented Egyptian is reported by Caught Offside to be unsettled at the Etihad Stadium due to a lack of first team opportunities and it is claimed that he’s considering his long-term future with the club.
The outlet adds that sources close to the player insist that the 26-year-old’s desire is to remain in England rather than pursue a move elsewhere in Europe or in Saudi Arabia - opening the door to clubs like Aston Villa and Tottenham, who are said ‘to be at the front of the queue’ in terms of potential suitors.
Marmoush ‘pushing for a move’ away from Man City - report
Man City made the headlines in January 2025 when they beat Liverpool to the signature of prolific Eintracht Frankfurt frontman Marmoush.
Pep Guardiola’s side spent a reported £59m to bring the striker to the football club, in an attempt to take some of the pressure off leading talisman Erling Haaland, who has been the first choice striker since 2022.
Marmoush scored 15 goals and registered 10 assists in his last 17 league matches for Frankfurt, and showcased what he could do in English football just three games into his City career when he scored a hat-trick against Newcastle United.
He scored seven and registered two assists in his first 17 league matches for the Sky Blues, in an impressive first six months despite often being forced to play out wide rather than as a centre forward.
However, in the last six months, he’s only made 11 league appearances and has only been selected to start on two occasions. He recently scored his first goal of the season in a rare start against Wolves after returning from international duty with Egypt at AFCON.
Aston Villa ‘admire’ Marmoush
Aston Villa are reported to be huge admirers of Marmoush as uncertainty surrounding his future at the Etihad intensifies.
Villa already have Ollie Watkins leading the line and are expected to add Tammy Abraham to the group imminently, but may consider Marmoush as an option due to his ability to play in wide areas and compete for a spot as the main centre forward.
Caught Offside says Guardiola has given Marmoush permission to explore his options while a past interview by the Spaniard suggests he’ll have no qualms in negotiating with a direct title rival.
“I think that means you are a small club. Big clubs make decisions for the benefit for all three parties: players, both clubs – and agents sometimes. Really, it’s not a problem,” Guardiola told beIN Sports.
“So if they want to go to Chelsea or (Manchester) United or, I don’t know, Liverpool or whatever, what is the problem? They are happy to be there, the club is happy for the transfer.
“Another player would come and we’d keep going: good spirit, good mood, and try to do it.”