It is a rare occurrence when a 25-year-old player makes an unexpected £59 million move to a top club, but Omar Marmoush has done just that, signing for Manchester City in January after a standout season.

While Marmoush had been relatively successful as a goal-scorer in the German Bundesliga, particularly with Frankfurt, it took him years of hard work and patience to reach this level of recognition.

Originally from Egypt, Marmoush moved to Germany at 18 after being discovered by former Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs, who spotted his talent at an Under-17 tournament in Dubai.

Giggs referred him to an agent, who subsequently connected him with Pierre Littbarski, head of scouting at Wolfsburg. Impressed by Marmoush’s speed, risk-taking, and technical ability, Wolfsburg invited him for a trial, signing him for their youth academy.

Littbarski, reflecting on Marmoush’s transition from Cairo to Wolfsburg, described it as a dramatic change. “He just wanted to play football, but adjusting to the structured, passing-oriented style of play at Wolfsburg wasn’t easy for him,” Littbarski noted.

Although Marmoush showed promise, he spent a few seasons struggling to establish himself, leading to loan moves to St. Pauli and Stuttgart, where he showcased glimpses of his talent but never consistently over a full season.

It was his move to Frankfurt in 2023, however, that marked a turning point. Under the guidance of coach Dino Toppmoller, Marmoush flourished, becoming one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe.

Despite some initial reluctance from Frankfurt, who considered Marmoush crucial to their success, his 37 goals and 20 assists in 67 appearances were testament to his growing impact. His performances in 2023-2024 earned him a £59 million transfer to Manchester City, with the deal marking a major milestone in his career.

A teammate of Mohamed Salah in the Egyptian national team, Marmoush’s breakout performances for Frankfurt saw him score 15 goals in the Bundesliga and 20 goals in total in 26 games.

His ability to adapt to different attacking roles, playing as a winger, number 10, or lone striker, drew praise from experts, including Raphael Honigstein, who described him as a dynamic forward capable of playing through the middle or on the wing. While comparisons to Salah were made, Marmoush was praised for his finishing rather than his dribbling.

At Frankfurt, Toppmoller’s tactical approach was key to Marmoush’s development. Marmoush’s ability to find space and time his runs to perfection made him a lethal asset in both a two-striker system and as a solo frontman.

His partnership with Hugo Ekitike, in particular, allowed him to exploit defensive weaknesses and finish with composure. Frankfurt’s emphasis on pressing and fluid positioning suited Marmoush’s style of play, contributing to his impressive form.

Looking ahead to his future at Manchester City, Marmoush will face the challenge of adjusting to the high expectations of the Premier League.

The recent departure of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid left City with only one established striker, Erling Haaland, and Marmoush could offer valuable support. Although Haaland has been key to City’s success, his heavy involvement this season may not be sustainable, making Marmoush’s arrival particularly timely.

Marmoush’s versatility will be crucial to City’s attack. While he is not as explosive as players like Jeremy Doku or Savinho, he offers cleverness and tactical awareness, making him a smart addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad. With City’s ambitions high, particularly in domestic and European competitions, Marmoush’s arrival could provide a much-needed boost to their offensive options.

As for Frankfurt, the loss of Marmoush is a blow, but they stand to benefit financially from the sale. The club has become well-known for discovering talented players and selling them for substantial transfer fees.

Their past sales, such as Randal Kolo Muani’s move to PSG and Luka Jovic’s transfer to Real Madrid, highlight their ability to profit from the sale of players, even though some have struggled to make an impact at their new clubs.

Ultimately, Manchester City will hope that Marmoush can replicate his impressive form in the Premier League, offering a spark to their attacking play and enhancing their chances of silverware in the remainder of the season.