Manchester City Target Frankfurt’s Marmoush As Haaland’s Backup

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria  

Manchester City is reportedly interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush as a backup for Erling Haaland, whose goal-scoring form this season has yet to match last year’s record-breaking performances.

According to a report from Sky Sports on Thursday, Eintracht Frankfurt is demanding £67 million (€80 million) for the Egyptian striker.

However, no formal negotiations between the two clubs have taken place.

Sources indicate that Manchester City and Marmoush’s representatives view a transfer fee in the range of £42 million to £50 million (€50 million to €60 million) as more realistic.

Frankfurt, currently third in the Bundesliga, is reportedly unwilling to entertain offers significantly below their asking price, as Marmoush does not have a release clause in his contract.

The 25-year-old forward has been in stellar form this season, netting 13 goals in the Bundesliga, trailing only Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane in the league’s scoring charts.

Across all competitions, Marmoush has scored 18 goals, making him one of Europe’s top performers. He is second only to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in goal involvements among players from Europe’s top five leagues.

Marmoush’s versatility as a forward capable of operating across the front three makes him an appealing target for City, who are looking to bolster their attacking options.

In a related development, Manchester City has also expressed interest in Palmeiras’ 18-year-old center-back Vitor Reis.

Talks are reportedly in the early stages, with Palmeiras hoping for a transfer fee between £33.5 million and £40 million.

Reis made 22 appearances for Palmeiras last season, scoring two goals, and captained Brazil’s U17 team at the 2023 U17 World Cup.