The January window has found its first true saga, and it centres on the Etihad Stadium. Just 12 months after his £59m arrival from the Bundesliga, Omar Marmoush is being courted aggressively by both Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, with the two clubs viewing the Egyptian as the catalyst for their divergent ambitions.
Context: The £59m Gamble That Stalled
When Manchester City triggered the checkbook for Omar Marmoush in January 2025, it was seen as Pep Guardiola adding the final piece to a treble-winning machine. While the 26-year-old’s debut half-season showed flashes of brilliance—registering seven goals and two assists in 16 appearances—the 2025/26 campaign has been a different story. With just 206 Premier League minutes under his belt this term, Marmoush has drifted to the periphery of Guardiola’s rotation.
Sources indicate that while City are not actively forcing him out, they are pragmatic. The looming arrival of Antoine Semenyo—who reportedly rejected Spurs to join the champions—has pushed Marmoush further down the pecking order. For a player of his calibre, the bench is no longer a viable habitat.
Villa’s Title Charge vs. Spurs’ Crisis
The betting markets have reacted sharply to the developments. The odds on Marmoush’s next club have seen Aston Villa shorten significantly over the last 48 hours. Unai Emery sees the Egyptian as the perfect foil for Ollie Watkins, offering the tactical versatility to play off the left or through the middle as Villa look to cement their top-four status.
Conversely, the situation at Tottenham reeks of desperation. With the club languishing in 14th and Thomas Frank facing increasingly short odds to be the next manager sacked, Spurs are in panic mode. The recent sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35m and the long-term injury to marquee summer signing Mohammed Kudus (out until March) has left their attack toothless.
The Deal Structure
Reports suggest a "tug-of-war" is now in effect. Villa’s pitch is stability and Champions League football; Spurs’ pitch is guaranteed minutes and the chance to be the saviour of a sinking ship. The fee remains the sticking point—City will want to recoup a significant portion of their £59m outlay, a figure that tests the resolve of both suitors mid-season.
What Happens Next?
This weekend is critical. Tottenham face Aston Villa in the FA Cup—a fixture that serves as a literal and metaphorical battleground for Marmoush’s signature. If Thomas Frank fails to deliver a performance, the toxic atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could force Daniel Levy to pull the trigger on the manager before he pulls the trigger on the transfer. Expect Villa to formalise a bid within days to test City's resolve before Spurs can organise their chaotic house.