Maresca signals Omar Marmoush may exit City As Tottenham and Newcastle emerge As front‑Runners

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has hinted that Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush is likely to leave the club this summer, with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United identified as the most probable destinations. The comments came after Marmoush’s two‑goal performance in City’s 3‑1 preseason win over Atletico Madrid in Seoul, a display that revived transfer chatter following a limited role last season.

Marmoush featured in just 21 Premier League matches last term, 13 of them from the bench, and managed only three league goals. Maresca explained that players crave regular minutes, drawing a parallel with former City goalkeeper James Trafford: “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.”

While no formal bids have been lodged, the manager did not rule out a departure, stressing that the final decision rests with the player. “It doesn’t mean that he isn’t going to play more minutes here but it’s also his decision, and to understand his decision in details,” Maresca said.

Tottenham and Newcastle have been singled out as the leading suitors, and City will keep a close eye on any concrete offers as the summer transfer window approaches its deadline at the end of August. The club’s hierarchy remains cautious, insisting that any move must preserve the squad’s balance.

Marmoush himself downplayed immediate speculation, saying his recent brace has boosted his confidence and that he is focused on the upcoming Community Shield. “I’m enjoying myself a lot. As a striker it gives you confidence and it gets you going in the flow,” he remarked.

Maresca also highlighted the broader challenge of integrating new talent after Pep Guardiola’s departure, warning that competition for places will remain fierce. “It’s not easy after the change, but we’ve done really well and we’ll keep going,” he added.

The manager concluded that City will retain depth ahead of the new Premier League campaign but remains open to negotiating if a suitable offer materialises, leaving the summer’s final outcome uncertain.