Newcastle United has gained momentum in its pursuit of Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush after coach Enzo Maresca suggested the Egyptian could seek more playing time elsewhere, according to reports. Maresca’s comments followed a £59 million January 2025 signing from Eintracht Frankfurt, with City valuing Marmoush at €60-65 million (£52-57 million).
Maresca’s Comments Open Door for Marmoush’s Move
Enzo Maresca’s recent remarks about Omar Marmoush’s future have intensified speculation about a potential transfer to Newcastle United. The Manchester City manager acknowledged the forward’s desire for more playing time, stating, Players work every day, they want to play so when they don’t play they are not happy. Omar did not play a lot last year so his desire is probably to play more minutes.
Maresca’s comments, reported by Yahoo, came after Newcastle’s interest in Marmoush resurfaced. A source told CaughtOffside that the Magpies need to do some serious business up front
and view Marmoush as a key target. The Egyptian forward, who joined City for £59 million in January 2025, has struggled to secure consistent starts, scoring 16 goals in 61 appearances across all competitions.
The manager stopped short of confirming a sale but left the door open for Marmoush to seek a move, a development that has buoyed Newcastle’s hopes.
Valuation and Financial Context
Manchester City’s valuation of Marmoush at €60-65 million (£52-57 million) adds complexity to Newcastle’s pursuit. CaughtOffside reported that the Magpies are well positioned financially
to meet this price tag, following significant summer sales. A source told the outlet, He won’t come cheap, but Newcastle are under pressure to make a splash like that now, after recouping so much from player sales.
Newcastle’s financial flexibility contrasts with the challenges faced by other Premier League clubs. Last summer’s signings, including Nick Woltemade, have failed to meet expectations, with the Dutch striker scoring 11 goals in 32 Premier League games.
Newcastle’s Forward Needs
Newcastle’s need for a reliable forward has grown urgent. The departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool left a void, and replacements like Yoann Wissa have underperformed. Wissa scored just three goals across all competitions in 2024-25, while Woltemade’s form fluctuated. A source told CaughtOffside, Their forward signings last summer haven’t done it, there are already serious doubts about Nick Woltemade’s future, and Marmoush is someone they’ve got high up on their list.
Marmoush’s potential move could address this gap. The 27-year-old, who scored 20 goals in 26 games for Eintracht Frankfurt before joining City, has yet to replicate that consistency in England. However, his recent performances, including two goals in a pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid, have kept his transfer hopes alive.
While no formal approach has been made, Newcastle’s interest in Marmoush remains active. A source told CaughtOffside, There hasn’t been an approach yet, but it’s one to keep an eye on, for sure.
The Magpies must decide whether to pursue the Egyptian forward or allocate resources elsewhere. Maresca’s comments have shifted the narrative, but the final decision rests with Marmoush and City’s willingness to sell.
For Newcastle, the challenge is balancing ambition with pragmatism. Marmoush’s transfer fee could be redirected to other areas of need, but his potential to thrive in a more central role makes him an enticing option. As the summer transfer window progresses, the next few weeks will determine whether this speculative interest translates into a concrete deal.
