Aston Villa have formally entered the race to sign Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, with reports suggesting the Midlands club are prepared to match Tottenham Hotspur's financial package to bring the unsettled Egyptian to Villa Park.
While Spurs were considered the frontrunners for the 26-year-old earlier this week, sources close to the situation now indicate that Villa have made contact with City regarding a potential deal. Unai Emery is understood to be driving the interest, viewing Marmoush as the perfect versatile profile to complement Ollie Watkins as Villa look to cement their Champions League status.
The development adds a fascinating layer of complexity to what is fast becoming the saga of the January window. With Marmoush currently away on international duty at AFCON, negotiations are being conducted through intermediaries, but Villa’s entry into the fray has reportedly turned City’s head.
The 'Guaranteed Minutes' Pitch
Villa's pitch to the player is simple: you will play. Marmoush has endured a frustrating 12 months at the Etihad Stadium following his ÂŁ59 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025. Stuck behind Erling Haaland and largely ignored in big games, he is desperate to be a protagonist again.
Unlike Tottenham, who still have Dominic Solanke (currently injured but the long-term No. 9) and Son Heung-min commanding the forward spots, Villa can offer a clearer pathway. With Jhon Duran having departed for Al-Nassr last year, Villa have lacked a high-quality alternative to Watkins who can also operate effectively from the wide areas.
Emery’s system, which often utilizes dual pivots in attack, would suit Marmoush’s ability to drift between the lines—a trait that convinced City to sign him in the first place.
The Financial Picture
Manchester City’s stance remains firm: they want to recoup the majority of their initial outlay. Reports suggest a fee in the region of £55m-£60m will be required to sanction a sale.
Villa, now operating under the guidance of President of Football Operations Roberto Olabe following Monchi's departure last September, are believed to have the funds available. The club has been prudent with their spending in recent windows to comply with PSR, but the substantial fee received for Duran—and the Champions League revenue streams—means they are well-placed to compete with Spurs financially.
Check the latest market movements on the Omar Marmoush transfer odds to see if the bookmakers now favour a move to the Midlands over North London.
City's Dilemma
For Pep Guardiola, the decision is becoming increasingly difficult. While he is reluctant to lose a squad player mid-season, keeping an unhappy asset who is attracting bids close to his market value makes little business sense. If a bidding war erupts between Villa and Spurs, City could even turn a small profit on a player who has started just two league games this season.
However, the timing remains an issue. With Marmoush in Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations, any medical would be complex to arrange. Villa are reportedly willing to fly officials to the Egypt camp to expedite the process if a fee can be agreed.
For more on Villa’s squad depth and potential outgoings, visit the Aston Villa club hub.
What Happens Next?
Tottenham are expected to respond within 24 hours, potentially accelerating their own talks to avoid losing out to a direct top-four rival. Villa, however, are confident that their project—and the promise of immediate first-team action—gives them the edge. The next 48 hours will be critical in deciding whether Marmoush heads to London or Birmingham.