Barcelona Discover Rising Star Dubbed 'New Julian Alvarez' to Challenge Atletico Madrid's Striker Hunt
Barcelona's quest to acquire a dynamic and dependable striker this upcoming summer while avoiding astronomical transfer costs has led the club to consider Omar Marmoush as a potential target.
The Egyptian forward has experienced a challenging sophomore campaign at Manchester City, operating primarily as Erling Haaland's understudy while struggling to cement his position in alternative roles.
His season has been further hampered by a knee setback in September and his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, resulting in merely 10 starting appearances across all tournaments. His output includes just one Premier League strike and zero Champions League goals to date.
SPORT reports that Barcelona had been monitoring Marmoush throughout his impressive tenure at Eintracht Frankfurt. He was reportedly considered as a potential successor to Robert Lewandowski if the Polish veteran had departed last summer—however, Manchester City secured his signature months before that transfer period, and Lewandowski remained at the club.
With Lewandowski's future now increasingly questionable, the Catalan giants might be inclined to pursue the 27-year-old, who meets the criteria club executives seek in an attacker: adaptability to tactical systems and greater mobility than a conventional center-forward.
Barcelona Refuse to Pay 'Exorbitant' Fee
Barcelona Refuse to Pay 'Exorbitant' Fee
Barcelona's pathway to Marmoush could mirror the situation that led Julián Alvarez to depart Manchester City for Atlético Madrid during summer 2024. The South American was featuring consistently in his final English campaign, yet he could never supplant Haaland as the primary striker and upon exiting the Etihad Stadium expressed his wish to pursue a "fresh opportunity" at another club.
Alvarez paradoxically remains Barcelona's top priority for the upcoming season. However, his valuation could reach €150 million ($177.1 million), making such a deal unfeasible, despite optimism that "executing a major financial transaction" is achievable following years of restrictions.
Marmoush could potentially be secured for approximately half that amount or even less, and Barcelona are reportedly "ready" should he request Manchester City to facilitate his departure.