Manchester City are showing confidence in keeping one of their star players at the club despite growing uncertainty surrounding his future during the current transfer window.
The Cityzens have already made a major statement in the market by agreeing a club-record £116 million deal for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.
However, while attention has focused on new arrivals, there appears to be an equally strong desire behind the scenes to retain key attacking options already within the squad.
Omar Marmoush‘s name has featured prominently in transfer discussions across Europe in recent weeks.
The Egypt international only arrived at the Etihad Stadium in January 2025 after City completed a £59 million move to bring him from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.
Since then, the versatile attacker has attracted interest from several clubs.
Reports linking Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa with a possible move have fuelled speculation over whether City could be prepared to cash in on the player after just 18 months at the club.
Despite the rumours, there is currently little indication that the club are preparing for life without him.
While Marmoush continues his international commitments at the World Cup in the United States, where he recently featured in Egypt’s 1-1 group-stage draw with Iran at MetLife Stadium, City officials have reportedly made their position clear.
The club’s focus this summer appears to be directed elsewhere rather than sourcing a replacement in attack.
That stance suggests City remain convinced that Marmoush can play an important role in the coming campaign.
Confirmed by Manchester Evening News journalist Simon Bajkowski, Manchester City are not actively searching for a replacement for Omar Marmoush this summer.
Man City plan to strengthen other positions
City’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Hugo Viana, face several priorities across the squad before the transfer window closes.
Strengthening other positions appears to have taken precedence over adding further competition in attack.
There are already suggestions that attention could shift towards reinforcing midfield depth and addressing defensive requirements.
Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi has been mentioned among the long-term prospects admired by the club, while a specialist right-back remains another area that could be targeted.
By choosing not to pursue a replacement striker or forward, City can direct financial resources and recruitment efforts towards those positions instead.
Such a strategy may prove particularly important given the scale of investment already committed during the current window.
Fresh opportunity for Marmoush under Enzo Maresca
Marmoush’s first full season at Manchester City delivered moments of promise, even if opportunities to establish himself as a regular starter proved limited.
Across all competitions, he made 36 appearances, scoring eight goals and providing three assists.
However, his average playing time stood at just 38.7 minutes per match, highlighting the challenge of securing a consistent place in a highly competitive squad.
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Even so, his contributions arrived at important moments. During the second half of the 2024-25 campaign, Marmoush played a role in helping City secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League, ensuring the club remained among Europe’s elite despite a demanding season.
The arrival of Enzo Maresca as manager could also work in the Egyptian’s favour.
The Italian is expected to implement a tactical system built around aggressive pressing, rapid transitions and intelligent movement off the ball.
Those requirements align closely with the characteristics that initially attracted City to Marmoush during his time in the Bundesliga.
His willingness to close down opponents, stretch defensive lines and exploit spaces behind defenders could make him particularly valuable within Maresca’s approach.
