Eintracht Frankfurt have placed a hefty €80 million (£67m/$82m) valuation on striker Omar Marmoush amid growing interest from Manchester City, according to Sky Germany reporter Patrick Berger. The development comes as reports suggest the 25-year-old Egyptian international has already reached a verbal agreement with the Premier League champions.
Marmoush, who has been in scintillating form this season with 18 goals and 12 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions, has emerged as a prime target for Pep Guardiola’s side as they look to bolster their attacking options. The striker’s current contract with Frankfurt runs until 2027, giving the Bundesliga club significant leverage in negotiations.
City’s interest in Marmoush comes during what many consider their most challenging season in recent years. Despite having prolific striker Erling Haaland leading their attack, the team has struggled to maintain their usual dominant form. The departure of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid has further intensified their need for attacking reinforcements.
The Premier League champions are reportedly planning to submit an official bid this weekend, though Frankfurt’s substantial asking price could prove a significant obstacle. Sources indicate the Bundesliga club might be willing to accept a considerably lower fee during the summer transfer window, potentially setting up a strategic waiting game between the two clubs.
Marmoush’s impressive statistics this season reflect his rapid development into one of Europe’s most effective forwards. His combination of clinical finishing and creative playmaking has caught the attention of several top clubs, with Arsenal and Liverpool also reportedly monitoring his situation.
The Egyptian’s potential arrival at the Etihad Stadium would offer Guardiola additional tactical flexibility and depth in attack. His ability to both score and create goals could prove particularly valuable as City looks to recover their form and challenge for multiple trophies in the latter half of the season.
Frankfurt’s steep valuation appears designed to ward off January interest, recognizing the difficulty of replacing such a crucial player mid-season. The German club’s strategy might be to retain Marmoush’s services for their ongoing campaign while potentially entertaining more reasonable offers during the summer transfer window.
The timing of City’s interest is particularly noteworthy given their current form and position in the Premier League. While the addition of a player of Marmoush’s caliber could provide an immediate boost, the significant financial outlay required might influence their decision-making process, especially considering the potential for a more economical deal in the summer.
For Marmoush, the prospect of joining the reigning Premier League and Champions League holders represents a significant career opportunity. His apparent eagerness to make the move, as evidenced by the reported verbal agreement, suggests he views City as an ideal platform to showcase his talents at the highest level of European football.
The striker’s combination of pace, technical ability, and finishing prowess aligns well with Guardiola’s tactical requirements, potentially making him an valuable addition to City’s squad. However, the substantial price difference between Frankfurt’s current demands and their likely summer asking price could prove decisive in determining the timing of any potential transfer.
As City prepare to lodge their bid this weekend, all eyes will be on whether the two clubs can find common ground or if this developing transfer saga will extend into the summer window. The outcome could have significant implications for both clubs’ seasons and Marmoush’s career trajectory.