La Liga giants target Omar Marmoush for summer transfer – Representatives have already opened talks | OneFootball

Manchester City face a battle to keep hold of Omar Marmoush beyond the upcoming summer transfer window, new reports have indicated.

The Egyptian has endured a campaign of fluctuating fortunes at the Etihad Stadium, having first burst onto the English scene in spectacular fashion following his big-money switch from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025.

A remarkable hat-trick against Newcastle inside his opening weeks of his City career instantly endeared him to supporters, while a stunning long-range effort against Bournemouth later secured the Premier League’s Goal of the Season accolade.

That whirlwind introduction set lofty expectations, but the 2025/26 season has presented new challenges, including increased competition for attacking roles through the arrival of Antoine Semenyo and tactical prominence of Rayan Cherki.

A brief dip in form and Egypt’s disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign added to speculation over Marmoush’s long-term future, though he has recently responded with eye-catching performances – notably two assists in the Carabao Cup semi-final triumph over Newcastle to book a final showdown with Arsenal.

But according to the information of WinWin’s Ismael Mahmoud, Omar Marmoush’s name was brought up during a discussion between the player’s representatives and Barcelona officials in January.

It is claimed that Marmoush is ‘highly regarded’ by the Catalan club’s management in terms of both his technical ability and from a marketing perspective, while there is a belief within Camp Nou that the player would welcome the idea of a move should negotiations open.

However, any interest from Barcelona would not be a clear run at the player, with the report pointing out that La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid have highlighted him as their potential first-choice target should Julian Alvarez leave in the summer.

Marmoush, still only 27-years-old and entering what should be the prime years of his career, remains under contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2029 and is viewed internally as a versatile attacking option capable of playing across the frontline.

Yet the promise of a more guaranteed starting role in Spain could test his resolve if formal bids materialise. For City, much may depend on their own summer transfer strategy currently being plotted out by sporting director Hugo Viana.

Should Pep Guardiola sanction attacking departures or opt for a tactical reshuffle, Omar Marmoush could yet play a central role in next season’s plans. But with elite clubs circling and representatives seemingly holding exploratory talks, the coming months are shaping up to be pivotal in determining whether his Etihad story continues or takes a new turn abroad.