EPL: Why Manchester City Are Betting £50m on Omar Marmoush: The Next Salah, His Free-Kick Magic, and Nottingham Forest’s Missed Opportunity

09:05 EAT Friday, 10 January 2025 | By Anastasios Gordon Sekandi

Manchester City’s decision to splash £50 million on Omar Marmoush has turned heads in the football world. The Egyptian forward, known for his electrifying pace and technical flair, has drawn comparisons to his compatriot Mohamed Salah. But what makes Marmoush worth such a significant investment? And why did Nottingham Forest pass on the chance to sign him?

The Mo Salah Comparisons

Marmoush, like Salah, boasts exceptional speed, quick feet, and a knack for cutting in from wide areas to create or score goals. His ability to glide past defenders with ease and deliver clinical finishes has naturally drawn parallels to the Liverpool superstar. At just 24 years old, Marmoush has already established himself as a versatile attacker, capable of playing across the front line.

However, it’s not just his playing style that invites the comparison. Marmoush shares a similar relentless work ethic and hunger to improve, traits that have defined Salah’s rise to the top. City manager Pep Guardiola reportedly sees Marmoush as a project player who can flourish in his system, much like Salah did under Jürgen Klopp.

The Free-Kick Party Trick

One of Marmoush’s standout qualities is his ability to score from set pieces. Dubbed a “free-kick specialist,” he has a unique knack for curling the ball into the top corner from almost any angle. This rare skill adds another dimension to his game and provides City with a potential game-changer in dead-ball situations.

His flair for the dramatic has already made him a fan favorite at his current club, where his audacious free-kick goals have gone viral on social media. It’s a trait Guardiola will likely look to harness in key moments during tight matches.

Why Nottingham Forest Rejected Him

Interestingly, Marmoush’s journey to Manchester City wasn’t without its setbacks. Nottingham Forest reportedly turned down the chance to sign him last year, citing concerns over his consistency and adaptation to the physicality of the Premier League. At the time, Marmoush was still refining his decision-making and struggled with end product in key moments.

Forest’s loss, however, appears to be City’s gain. Marmoush has since silenced his critics with a string of impressive performances, both at the club level and for the Egyptian national team. His development into a more complete player has made him a prime target for Guardiola, who thrives on nurturing raw talent.

A Calculated Gamble by Manchester City

For City, the £50 million fee represents both a calculated risk and a statement of intent. Marmoush is far from a finished product, but his potential to reach world-class levels under Guardiola’s guidance is undeniable. With City looking to refresh their attacking options, Marmoush’s arrival could mark the beginning of a new chapter in their dominance.

The question now is whether Marmoush can live up to the lofty expectations and carve out his own legacy, much like Salah did. If he can, Manchester City’s gamble may just pay off in spectacular fashion.

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