By Kwame Bediako
Omar Marmoush, the 25-year-old forward from Egypt, is reportedly on the brink of joining Premier League champions Manchester City, with the transfer set for the January window. His impressive form at Eintracht Frankfurt has caught the eye of City, who are looking to bolster their attacking options after a mixed start to the season. Marmoush’s extraordinary numbers in 2024-25 have positioned him as one of the most exciting attackers in Europe, making him a prime target for Pep Guardiola’s side.
A Rising Star in Germany
Marmoush’s career trajectory has taken a significant leap in recent years. After a slow start at Wolfsburg, where he netted just six goals in 48 Bundesliga appearances, Marmoush found his stride at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he arrived on a free transfer in 2023. His 2024-25 season has been nothing short of spectacular, with 15 goals and nine assists in 17 Bundesliga games and 20 goals with 13 assists across all competitions. This rapid development places him among Europe’s elite forwards.
One standout moment came in November 2024 when Marmoush became only the second player in Europe’s top five leagues to reach double figures for both goals and assists, a feat achieved just a day after his compatriot, Mohamed Salah, reached the same milestone. His remarkable consistency in contributing to both goals and assists has established him as one of the most productive forwards in Europe.
Consistent Improvement and Key Strengths
While Marmoush’s breakthrough in 2024-25 has garnered attention, his rise shouldn’t be seen as entirely sudden. In the previous season, he recorded 12 goals and six assists in 29 Bundesliga appearances, hinting at his potential. However, his step-up this season has been extraordinary, with his performances drawing comparisons to other Bundesliga stars like Serhou Guirassy, who also enjoyed a breakout year.
One of Marmoush’s most notable attributes is his clinical finishing. His 15 Bundesliga goals have come from just 8.9 expected goals (xG), an overperformance of 6.1, showcasing his ability to score from difficult situations. His proficiency with set-pieces is another highlight—Marmoush scored three direct free-kicks in consecutive matches, a feat not seen in Europe’s top five leagues since Lionel Messi did so for Barcelona in 2019. His ability to win free-kicks—having earned 76 so far this season—further illustrates his dangerous style of play, making him a nightmare for defenders.
In addition to his goal-scoring, Marmoush’s work with the ball has been highly impressive. He frequently carries the ball, with 323 dribbles in the Bundesliga last season, ranking among the top players in the league. This season, he has continued to excel, leading the Bundesliga with 250 carries, while his ability to create chances for teammates (35 assists) further demonstrates his all-around contribution.
Salah’s Legacy and the Need for Continuity
Mohamed Salah has set an incredibly high benchmark for Egyptian players in the Premier League. Since joining Liverpool in 2017, he has broken numerous records and established himself as one of the best players in the world. His contributions have been central to Liverpool’s resurgence in European and domestic football, helping them secure the Premier League title, Champions League triumphs, and multiple other honours. Salah’s impact on Liverpool’s attack cannot be overstated; his goals, assists, and leadership have been crucial.
However, as Salah enters the latter years of his career, there will inevitably be concerns over his longevity and potential replacement. The question arises: can Omar step into Salah’s shoes and continue this Egyptian dominance? While no one can truly replace a player of Salah’s calibre, Omar’s emerging talent presents a promising future for Egypt and for Liverpool. His arrival could provide both competition and continuity, ensuring that the Egyptian influence remains strong in English football even after Salah’s eventual departure.
A Perfect Fit for Manchester City?
Marmoush’s style of play could complement Manchester City’s attacking dynamics, though adapting to Guardiola’s tactical setup will be an intriguing challenge. At Eintracht, Marmoush has often played as a striker but has also featured as an attacking midfielder or winger. This versatility could provide City with more options, especially following the departure of Julián Álvarez to Atlético Madrid.
When comparing Marmoush’s output to Álvarez’s performance for City last season, the Egyptian appears to be a more direct, explosive player. Marmoush averages more shots per 90 minutes (4.8 to 3.3) and significantly more dribbles (6.0 to 1.5), showing his willingness to drive forward and create chances. He’s also capable of laying on assists, with several of his assists this season going to strike partner Hugo Ekitiké, something that could work well with City’s prolific number nine, Erling Haaland.
However, the transition to City’s possession-based, intricate style of play, which often involves more controlled, less direct attacking, will test Marmoush’s adaptability. Eintracht’s average possession this season is 49.8%, significantly lower than City’s 61.1%, which could mean Marmoush would need to adjust his approach to fit Guardiola’s system.
The Potential Impact on City’s Attack
Despite being one of the Premier League’s most dominant teams in terms of shots, Manchester City has struggled with shot conversion this season, recording their lowest conversion rate (10.5%) since 2012-13. With his excellent finishing ability and knack for being in the right place at the right time, Marmoush could help improve City’s efficiency in front of goal.
In fact, his ability to make an impact in key moments has been evident in his performances against top teams. Last season, he scored two goals in a 3-3 draw against Bayern Munich and helped his team with a goal and two assists in a stunning 5-1 victory over the Bavarians. Such performances suggest Marmoush could thrive in the pressure-filled atmosphere of the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
A New Egyptian Icon?
With Mohamed Salah dominating English football at Liverpool, Marmoush’s potential move to Manchester City could establish a new Egyptian star in the Premier League. If Marmoush continues his impressive form, City fans could soon be cheering on their own Egyptian sensation, alongside their pursuit of more silverware.
Marmoush’s comparisons to Salah and even Lionel Messi in terms of his performances this season place him in elite company. If his transition to Manchester City is successful, he could become a crucial part of City’s attack, helping them to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League and make a deep run in the Champions League. For now, the future looks bright for the Egyptian forward, with a potential move to one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs on the horizon.
