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Aston Villa are exploring a move for Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush during the January transfer window, with Tottenham Hotspur also making enquiries about the Egypt international who has struggled for regular game time at the Etihad Stadium this season.
Aston Villa Circle Omar Marmoush as Manchester City Weigh January Resolve
Marmoush arrived at City in January 2025 for £59 million, signing a contract that runs until the summer of 2029. The 26-year-old has managed nine goals and four assists in 40 appearances during his first year at the club, but Pep Guardiola has handed him just two Premier League starts and only one in the Champions League this season, limiting his opportunities to establish consistent rhythm.
TEAMtalk transfer insider Dean Jones confirmed Villa’s interest, stating that the club are making a move to secure a deal for the Egyptian forward. Jones revealed that whispers emerging from Egypt suggest Villa are actively pursuing Marmoush while he is away with the national team at the African Cup of Nations, with the club viewing him as another player they can revive after previous attempts with other Premier League forwards.
Villa’s recruitment logic centres on Marmoush’s versatility, as he can operate as a striker, number 10 or from wide areas, suiting a side juggling domestic and European demands. Jones noted that Villa are seeking another player for the front line to give them a better chance of sustaining their recent form, with Marmoush’s adaptability making him an attractive target for their tactical setup.
However, City are not receptive to letting Marmoush leave mid-season despite his limited playing time. Jones confirmed that City do not want to lose the forward, a stance initially shaped by Tottenham’s enquiries about the player. The reluctance is heightened by Villa being viewed as an even bigger threat to City this season compared to Spurs, making any potential deal more complex.
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan described Marmoush as an asset for any Premier League team, while Guardiola is expected to resist any departure, valuing the forward’s role in squad rotation during a congested fixture list. The situation leaves January delicately poised, with Villa seeing opportunity, Tottenham viewing him as an option, and City considering him a valuable squad player whose importance may yet grow throughout the remainder of the season.
