Aston Villa have emerged as a potential suitor for Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush during the January transfer period, following earlier interest shown by Tottenham Hotspur. Sources cited by TEAMtalk indicate that Villa are actively exploring a deal despite the player currently being contracted to the reigning champions.
The Egypt international arrived at the Etihad Stadium in January 2025 after completing a £59 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt and remains tied to City until the summer of 2029. Since his arrival, Marmoush has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter, registering nine goals and four assists across 40 matches in all competitions.
Pep Guardiola has used the 26-year-old sparingly in major fixtures this season, handing him only two league starts and a single appearance from the beginning in the Champions League. Marmoush is presently representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations, yet that has not deterred Villa from pressing ahead with their interest.
Guardiola stance complicates January plans
Transfer insider Dean Jones has revealed that discussions surrounding a possible move are gaining traction, particularly from Villa’s side. He explained that the Midlands club see Marmoush as another high-profile talent who could rediscover form, similar to previous attempts to revive the careers of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott.
However, resistance from Manchester City remains a significant obstacle. According to Jones, City have already indicated they are unwilling to sanction a mid-season departure, a position first communicated when Tottenham made enquiries about the forward. Allowing Marmoush to strengthen Villa, who are performing strongly this campaign, is viewed internally as undesirable.
Further reporting from Fraser Fletcher before Christmas suggested that Guardiola intends to retain Marmoush due to the demands of a packed fixture schedule, valuing his versatility and usefulness across multiple attacking roles.
Tottenham interest and national team backing
Tottenham had previously considered Marmoush as an alternative option while pursuing Antoine Semenyo. At that stage, Spurs remained hopeful of landing the Bournemouth attacker, who is now expected to complete a move to Manchester City. That development has sparked speculation over whether Marmoush’s pathway at City could become even more restricted.
Capable of operating centrally, behind the striker or on either flank, Marmoush’s adaptability has attracted praise from Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan. Speaking to Asharq, Hassan encouraged the forward to continue his career in England’s top division and expressed confidence that he would enhance any Premier League squad.
While his representative is expected to discuss next steps with him, City’s firm stance suggests that any January switch would be difficult to finalise.