Things on the pitch are not going according to plan. Manchester City is already coming to terms with saying goodbye to its long streak of Premier League titles and will not secure direct qualification to the Champions League Round of 16. However, Pep Guardiola remains committed to his long-term project, a point he has emphasized multiple times during a gloomy autumn season. The four-time consecutive English champions are experiencing their final transfer window with Txiki Begiristain as sporting director. This last outing in the transfer market for the iconic Spanish executive might be much busier than anticipated. In mid-December, City publicly shared its financial details for 2024, revealing a record profit of 865 million euros. English media suggest that this financial success could motivate City to make significant moves in the January transfer window, aiming to bring at least one high-profile player to the Etihad. According to the Daily Mail, Pep Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain have identified Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush as their primary target. Marmoush, the second-highest scorer in the Bundesliga this season and one of the biggest revelations in European football since September is valued at approximately 60 million. However, it is expected that Eintracht Frankfurt will demand at least 10 million more.’He can be better than Mo Salah’Txiki Begiristain is set to depart at the end of the season, with Hugo Viana taking over his role. Until then, Txiki has ample time to leave his mark with another marquee signing. City’s robust financial health, as evidenced by the recently published figures, provides the flexibility to target reinforcements. Guardiola and Begiristain have reportedly discussed potential acquisitions for three or four positions, with Atalanta’s midfielder Éderson also among the names mentioned. Omar Marmoush has been in sensational form this season, registering 18 goals and 12 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions. In the Bundesliga alone, he has scored 13 goals and provided 8 assists in 15 matches, making the 26-year-old the second-most prolific player in the German top flight. Marmoush offers versatility, being able to play anywhere along the flanks. Marmoush’s finishing ability is considered his greatest strength. Aside from Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola’s squad lacks another top-quality finisher. After selling Julián Álvarez in June, City has felt the absence of another lethal goal scorer. Signing Marmoush could fill the void left by the Argentine’s departure.Uzbek international is on City’s whishlistThere’s much more to the Egyptian international’s game that impresses. His pace and relentless pressing of opposition defenders are standout traits. His playing style seems to complement Haaland’s, potentially creating a far more threatening attack—an area where City has struggled so far. Marmoush is also known as a disciplined and rational player, capable of performing defensive duties when required, making him a well-rounded option for Guardiola’s system.##NAJAVA_MECA_8609863##
