Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Egypt star Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Marmoush, 25, has been one of Europe's most in-form forwards this season and joins the Premier League champions for a fee of €70 million plus €5m in add-ons.
City, who suffered a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night to leave their Champions League hopes in the balance, have agreed a four-and-a-half year contract with the 35-cap Egypt international, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2029.
Marmoush said: “This is a day I will never forget. To sign for Manchester City – one of the best teams in the world – is an amazing feeling. I am delighted, my family are so proud, and we are all very happy to be here in Manchester.
“With Pep [Guardiola], his technical staff and the world-class facilities here, players have everything they need to become better. That was really enticing for me when I had the chance to come here.
“And I cannot deny I also want to win trophies. City have been the most successful club in England for many, many years, so I know I am joining a winning environment and winning culture.
“I want to learn from the staff and my teammates, and I want to become a valued member of this winning team.
“I really am looking forward to getting going, meeting the other players and showing the Manchester City fans what I can do.”
City have been light on attacking options this season following Julian Alvarez's summer move to Atletico Madrid.
Marmoush is likely to fill that role in the squad, being able to play as an alternative to Erling Haaland up front but also comfortable as a foil to the Norwegian or even out wide.
Director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “Omar is an accomplished and exciting forward, and I’m delighted he’s joining us. He’s had an outstanding season, and every time we have watched him, he has influenced matches.
“He has all the attributes a top-class attacker requires. He has outstanding pace and awareness and he is exceptional in front of goal. He can also play a number of different positions, which is a really valuable asset.
“I also have no doubt that working with Pep and the technical staff here at City will see him further develop his superb attacking talent.”
Marmoush has been in sensational form for Frankfurt in the Bundesliga this season. His 24 goal involvements – 15 goals and nine assists – is only bettered across Europe's top five leagues by his international teammate Mohamed Salah.
Across all competitions, Marmoush has 20 goals and 11 assists in 30 games.
His arrival caps a busy week of incomings at the Etihad Stadium. Having endured a dismal run of form towards the end of 2024, City have moved decisively in the market in a bid to salvage their season.
Domestic results have improved of late, including a 6-0 thrashing of Ipswich Town at the weekend, but recent frailties returned when they saw a 2-0 lead turn into a 4-2 defeat in Paris on Wednesday night. Guardiola will hope the influx of new talent can help inspire a strong finish to the campaign.
The week started with the capture of Abdukodir Khusanov for a reported €40m with the 20-year-old agreeing a four-and-a-half-year deal. The central defender has won 18 caps for Uzbekistan and will become the first player from his country to play in the Premier League.
Khusanov began his professional career in Belarus playing for Energetik-BGU before making the move to Ligue 1 in 2023, making 31 appearances for Lens.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City, a club that I have enjoyed watching for a long time,” said Khusanov. “This is one of the best teams in the world and I've come here to win trophies.
“This squad is full of the best players in the world, and I can’t wait to meet them and play alongside them.
“And of course Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest coaches ever and I am so excited to learn from him and improve my game even more. This is a very proud moment for me and my family to be joining a great club like Manchester City and I’m more than ready for this challenge.”
City then confirmed their second defensive signing in the space of 24 hours with the capture of highly rated centre-back Vitor Reis from Palmeiras for a reported fee of €35m on Tuesday.
Reis, 19, also signed a four-and-a-half-year contract, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2029. Considered one of the top prospects in Brazil, Reis played 22 times for Palmeiras and represented his country’s Under-17s on eight occasions.
Reis, who will wear the No 22 shirt, said: “I’m excited to join Manchester City, one of the biggest clubs in the world. Everyone has seen the amazing achievements in recent seasons, and I want to make my mark as we seek more trophies.
“Working with Pep Guardiola is something every young player wants to do, and I know he can help me to develop into the best player I can be.
“City also have a lot of experience of working with Brazilian footballers and joining the likes of Ederson and Savinho in the squad will be a big help to me.”
One player moving towards the exit door at the Etihad Stadium is long-serving defender Kyle Walker.
The England right back has previously expressed his desire to move abroad for the final chapter in his career and the 34-year-old is reported to be in talks with AC Milan about an initial loan move.
