Unai Emery's ambitious plans for Aston Villa could see the club make a major January move for Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush, a player valued at around £59 million.
Villa's Quiet Window and Striker Search
The January transfer window has so far been a subdued affair for Aston Villa fans, who had hoped for signings to match the impact of last year's arrivals like Donyell Malen, Marco Asensio, and Marcus Rashford. Instead, the club has seen Malen depart for Roma and has only welcomed newcomers Alysson and Brian Madjo for a combined fee under £20 million.
This is far from the ambitious activity manager Unai Emery hinted at before the window opened. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Emery stated: "We are alert and if we can sign someone to help us and really improve, we will do it. We can sign players, only we can't spend a lot. But we can do something." He reiterated his dream of winning the Champions League with Villa, underscoring the scale of his project at the club.
The departure of Malen has made the acquisition of a new forward a top priority. The need is to provide support and competition for main striker Ollie Watkins, as young Brian Madjo, aged just 17, is not yet expected to shoulder that burden. Egyptian international Omar Marmoush has emerged as a primary target.
Why Marmoush Could Be the Perfect Fit
Marmoush has endured a difficult start to life at Manchester City, playing second fiddle to the world's premier striker, Erling Haaland. His limited minutes at the Etihad stand in stark contrast to his prolific form just a year ago, where he scored 15 goals and provided 5 assists in the Bundesliga before his big-money move.
For Villa, his potential arrival addresses a critical weakness. Despite their strong league position, five Premier League teams have outscored them this campaign, and their top scorer has only netted seven times. Their goal difference is a significant concern in a tight title race where they are currently level on points with Manchester City.
Emery's proven track record of revitalising careers, as seen with Rashford and Asensio last season, makes Villa an attractive destination for Marmoush. A move to Birmingham could offer him the regular football needed to rediscover his best form and become the prolific presence Villa crave.
The Obstacles to a Deal
While the transfer makes sense for Villa, several hurdles remain. Firstly, Manchester City are unlikely to sanction the sale unless they secure a replacement, as Marmoush and Haaland are their only specialist centre-forwards.
Secondly, the optics of strengthening a direct rival are complicated. Aston Villa are currently tied on points with Pep Guardiola's side, only behind on goal difference. Selling a £59 million asset to a team challenging for the title is a bold decision.
Furthermore, Marmoush's form has been a concern. He failed to impress at the recent African Cup of Nations, scoring only against Zimbabwe and Ivory Coast without registering an assist. This continued a trend of struggling to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
However, a fresh start under a manager renowned for improving attackers could be the catalyst Marmoush needs. For Unai Emery, securing the 26-year-old Egyptian could provide the final piece of the puzzle in Villa's unexpected but thrilling push for Premier League glory and historic silverware.
