Tottenham Hotspur have made an official enquiry regarding the availability of Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, with manager Thomas Frank identifying the unsettled Egypt international as the catalyst required to save their season.
Reports from GiveMeSport indicate that Spurs have approached the Premier League champions to gauge their willingness to sanction a mid-season exit for the 26-year-old, who has found opportunities limited at the Etihad Stadium since his high-profile move from the Bundesliga 12 months ago.
The development comes as pressure mounts on the Tottenham dugout. Following a run of stagnant performances that have drawn "boring, boring Tottenham" chants from sections of the fanbase, the club hierarchy is reportedly willing to back their manager in the winter market—but only for "game-changing" quality.
The City Experiment Gone Wrong?
Marmoush arrived in Manchester in January 2025 for a reported £59 million fee, having torn up the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt. However, the dream move has not gone to plan. With Erling Haaland undroppable and the likes of Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku occupying the wide areas, Marmoush has been restricted to the periphery of Pep Guardiola's squad.
This season, he has made just two Premier League starts. While Guardiola has publicly praised his "world-class" application, sources close to the player suggest he is desperate for regular minutes—a situation Tottenham are keen to exploit.
However, prising him away from East Manchester will not be straightforward. City are notoriously reluctant to weaken their squad depth mid-season, especially with the Champions League knockouts on the horizon. It is understood they would demand a fee close to what they paid last year, though Spurs may explore a loan-with-obligation structure to navigate Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Why Thomas Frank Wants Him
The tactical fit for Tottenham is clear. Since the sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace and with Dominic Solanke currently sidelined, Spurs have looked toothless in the final third. Frank’s system relies heavily on versatile forwards who can press from the front and create moments of magic in tight spaces—traits that Marmoush possesses in abundance.
Capable of playing as a central striker, a false nine, or off the left wing, Marmoush offers the "hybrid" profile that Frank craves. His ability to carry the ball over distance—a hallmark of his time in Germany—would also inject much-needed pace into a Spurs attack that has arguably become too predictable.
Those monitoring the market should keep an eye on the latest Omar Marmoush transfer odds, which have shortened significantly in the last 24 hours following news of the enquiry.
The AFCON Factor
A significant complication in any potential deal is the Africa Cup of Nations. Marmoush is currently in Morocco with the Egypt national team, meaning he is unavailable for club selection until early February at the earliest. This presents a gamble for Spurs: can they afford to sign a player who cannot contribute immediately, given their urgent need for results?
If negotiations drag on, or if City refuse to budge, the pressure on Frank will only intensify. The Dane is currently among the favourites to be the next Premier League casualty, and failure to land a marquee forward could be fatal to his tenure. You can track the latest market movements on the next permanent Tottenham manager page.
What Happens Next?
Tottenham are expected to continue dialogue with City over the coming days. While no formal bid has been lodged yet, the "open talks" stage suggests genuine intent from North London. If City offer any encouragement that a deal is possible, expect Spurs to move quickly to wrap up what would be one of the window's most significant transfers.