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Aston Villa circle Omar Marmoush as City weigh January resolve

Aston Villa’s January ambitions have rarely been subtle in recent seasons, and their reported interest in Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush fits a familiar pattern. According to TEAMtalk, Villa are exploring a move for the Egypt international while Tottenham Hotspur have also made enquiries, a detail that underlines how Marmoush’s situation at the Etihad is being closely monitored across the Premier League.

Marmoush arrived at City in January 2025 for £59million, signing a deal that runs until the summer of 2029. On paper, this should have been the platform for a sustained rise. In reality, his first year has been uneven. Nine goals and four assists in 40 appearances represent respectable output, but context matters. Pep Guardiola has handed him just two Premier League starts and only one in the Champions League this season, hardly the rhythm a forward needs to flourish.

Game time frustrations fuel Villa interest

Despite currently being away with Egypt at the African Cup of Nations, interest from Villa has intensified. TEAMtalk’s reporting is clear, with their own transfer insider, Dean Jones, stating that, “Villa are making a move to get a deal done for the 26-year-old forward.”

Jones expanded further, saying, “There are whispers emerging out of Egypt that Aston Villa are making a move for Marmoush.” The appeal is obvious. Villa have developed a reputation for reviving stalled careers, and Jones framed it neatly, adding, “The idea is fascinating, and as a club that have tried to bring Rashford and Sancho and Elliott back to life in the Premier League, it is reasonable to imagine that they fancy Marmoush to be next.”

Villa’s recruitment logic feels coherent. Marmoush can operate as a striker, a number 10 or from wide areas, versatility that suits a side juggling domestic and European demands. As Jones noted, “His game time at Man City hasn’t been what he would have hoped, and we have reported that Villa are on the lookout for another player for the front line to give them a better chance of sustaining the form they have shown recently.”

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City reluctance and Spurs enquiries

Yet this is where reality bites. TEAMtalk report that City are not receptive to letting Marmoush leave mid season. Jones confirmed, “But we have also been told recently, though, that Man City do not want to lose Marmoush.” That stance was shaped initially by Tottenham’s interest, with Jones adding, “That was in connection with Tottenham enquiries about the player, so I cannot imagine they would have too much appetite to let him join Villa, who are an even bigger threat to them this season.”

Earlier reporting from TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher described Marmoush as “an asset for any team”, while noting Guardiola “is expected to resist any departure, valuing Marmoush’s role in squad rotation during a congested fixture list”. Egypt manager Hossam Hassan echoed that belief, stating, “Marmoush would be an asset for any team in the Premier League, and I hope he stays there. He has an agent who will discuss his future with him.”

January dilemma for all parties

This leaves January delicately poised. Villa see opportunity, Tottenham see an option, and City see a squad player whose importance may yet grow. Marmoush’s future feels less about talent and more about timing.

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For Manchester City supporters, this report reads like a familiar January subplot. A talented squad player, limited minutes, and rival clubs circling with intent. Marmoush has not exploded at the Etihad, but that does not equate to failure. Nine goals and four assists across 40 appearances while adapting to Guardiola’s demanding system suggest patience is required.

City fans will recognise the pattern. New attackers often take a full season, sometimes longer, to truly click. Marmoush’s versatility is valuable during a congested calendar, especially with injuries and rotation demands across four competitions. Letting him join Aston Villa mid season would feel like strengthening a direct rival, a point Jones himself highlighted.

There is also a wider concern about squad depth. City’s recent dominance has been built on quality options beyond the starting eleven. Marmoush might not start big matches now, but he offers tactical flexibility, pressing intensity, and goal threat off the bench. From a supporter’s view, keeping him until at least the summer feels prudent.

If Marmoush pushes for a move, that is a different conversation. But right now, City fans are likely to side with Guardiola’s reported reluctance. Development, not disruption, remains the preferred path.