The winter transfer window often throws up surprises, and this January could see Liverpool pull off a bold one. With Manchester City on the verge of landing Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, whispers from Anfield suggest the Reds are seriously considering a swoop for Omar Marmoush – the Egyptian forward who’s found life tough at the Etihad.
Marmoush, 26, joined Manchester City from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025 for around £59m, per Manchester City’s official announcement. He arrived with a stellar Bundesliga record: 37 goals and 20 assists in 67 appearances for Frankfurt, as detailed on Transfermarkt. His pace, power, and clinical finishing drew comparisons to compatriot Mohamed Salah, with Egypt legend Ahmed Shobair once praising him as “a distinguished talent and wonderful player” on local media.
Yet, at City, it’s been a different story. Under Pep Guardiola, Marmoush has managed just 206 Premier League minutes across 10 appearances this season, starting only four times across all competitions and netting a solitary goal, according to Premier League stats. Currently away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations – where he’s already notched an impressive start, contributing to a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe with Foot Africa noting his key role – his limited opportunities have sparked exit talk.
Liverpool’s hierarchy – Michael Edwards, Richard Hughes, and Arne Slot – held talks just yesterday, where Marmoush’s name surfaced prominently. According to sources close to the club, this isn’t idle chatter; it’s a genuine contingency plan. If City trigger Semenyo’s £65m release clause before Liverpool can react, Marmoush emerges as a prime alternative to bolster the attack.
Liverpool’s interest makes sense. Slot’s side sits atop the Premier League table as of 24 December 2025, per BBC Sport, but depth upfront remains a concern, especially with Salah’s international duties looming. Semenyo, the versatile Bournemouth winger with 8 goals and 3 assists in 16 league games this term (Opta data), was on the radar – initial contacts were made, as reported by TEAMtalk. But with City in advanced talks and Semenyo preferring the Etihad, according to David Ornstein on The Athletic, Liverpool have cooled. ESPN sources confirm City’s progress, positioning them to seal the deal soon.
Enter Marmoush as the wildcard. His style – explosive runs, sharp finishing, and ability to play across the front line – aligns with Slot’s high-pressing system. At 183cm, he offers physicality too, reminiscent of how Diogo Jota thrives in red. Sky Sports highlighted Tottenham’s exploration of a similar move, but Liverpool’s pull, especially for an Egyptian linking up with Salah, could sway him. As Markus Krösche, Frankfurt’s sporting director, told BILD last year: “No player is unsellable,” a sentiment that might echo at City if Semenyo arrives.
Of course, prising a player from a direct rival mid-season is no small feat. City’s squad depth is vast, but Guardiola’s resistance to departures could be tested if Marmoush pushes for minutes. Valued at €77.7m by FotMob, any deal would demand a hefty fee, though his contract runs until 2029.
This potential transfer adds intrigue to an already pulsating title race.
