Credited from: ALJAZEERA
Manchester City has made a significant transfer move by signing Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt for approximately 70 million euros (around £59 million). This marks a crucial addition for City as they look to navigate a challenging ongoing season, having recently faced a dispiriting loss in the Champions League. Marmoush agreed to a contract lasting until June 2029, with potential add-ons worth up to £4 million.
The 25-year-old striker has enjoyed a stellar season in the Bundesliga, netting 15 goals in 17 appearances, placing him just behind Bayern Munich's Harry Kane in the league's scoring charts. Marmoush expressed his excitement about joining one of the world's elite clubs, stating, "It is a pleasure and an honour for me and my family to be representing Manchester City," as reported by BBC.
Alongside Marmoush, City has also signed 19-year-old Brazilian defender Vitor Reis from Palmeiras for £30 million and Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens for £34 million. The club's director of football, Txiki Begiristain, praised Marmoush’s "outstanding pace and awareness," pointing to his versatile playing style which can encompass various attacking roles, including central and wing positions.
Marmoush's journey to prominence began in the Egyptian Premier League, before he moved to Germany in 2018. His career in the Bundesliga blossomed with Eintracht Frankfurt, where he scored 37 goals and provided 20 assists over 67 appearances. However, the recent influx of players comes as City seeks to offset a tumultuous time in which they currently sit fifth in the Premier League, significantly trailing leaders Liverpool by 12 points, according to Reuters.
City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledges that integrating new talents like Marmoush into the squad is essential, especially given injury struggles affecting several key players, including the highly-regarded Rodri. The team has also seen Julian Alvarez depart to Atletico Madrid, intensifying the need for dynamic attacking options. Guardiola’s squad is in need of a spark both in domestic league play and the Champions League, where their last performance raised concerns.
Marmoush aims to further his impact in the Premier League, stating his commitment to win trophies as part of his new club of champions. His success in the Bundesliga has drawn comparisons to Egyptian compatriot Mohamed Salah, although Salah has urged fans to allow Marmoush to carve his path without the burden of such comparisons.
As Manchester City looks to build on their rich history of success, the addition of Marmoush may play a pivotal role in revitalizing the team's ambitions for the current season.
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