Tottenham Hotspur have faced struggles in the Premier League this season. However, fans will be encouraged by the news that the Lewis Family has reaffirmed support for manager Thomas Frank, guaranteeing funds for the January transfer window.
As the window approaches, pressure mounts on the board following Daniel Levy`s departure last season. Frank`s squad clearly needs reinforcements in several key areas. While contract talks are progressing for defender Micky van de Ven, the priority remains bolstering the attacking line. With key players like James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke all unavailable long-term, offensive movement is expected.
Spurs` initial target, Antoine Semenyo, rejected their advances. Despite Tottenham assembling proposals, the Bournemouth forward chose to focus instead on a potential mid-season move to Manchester City.
The Ghanaian has contributed eight goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, and his versatility across the frontline would have been an ideal fit for Tottenham. However, this shift might ironically benefit the Lilywhites: Tottenham now sees an opportunity to sign Omar Marmoush from Pep Guardiola`s squad.
According to transfer insider Mark Brus, Semenyo`s impending arrival in 2026 could prompt the 26-year-old Egyptian international to leave the Etihad Stadium.
Man City acquired Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt for approximately £59 million in January 2024. Although he had a strong initial impact, he has since slipped down the selection hierarchy.
Given ENIC`s readiness to invest, there is a strong possibility for the North London club to accelerate their pursuit of Marmoush this winter, as they are reportedly actively “pushing to sign” him.
Described as a “superstar” forward by Manchester City writer Radu Christian, Marmoush previously demonstrated his clinical ability in the Premier League last season, notably scoring a hat-trick against Newcastle United during a difficult period for his club.
Before moving to England, the Egyptian scored 15 goals and provided ten assists across 17 Bundesliga games in the 2024/25 season, leading some content creators to label him “one of the best strikers in the world” at the time.
Despite starting only two Premier League games this season, Marmoush`s intrinsic quality remains high. The £295,000-per-week talent could arguably be an upgrade on Semenyo. If he joins a club that maximizes his talismanic abilities, he could rapidly change that perception this campaign.
FBref statistics show that Marmoush, though currently on the fringes, still ranks in the top 5% of positional peers in Europe`s top five leagues over the last year for goals scored per 90 minutes, demonstrating a directness comparable to Semenyo.
| Premier League – Marmoush (24/25) vs Semenyo (25/26) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats (* per game) | Marmoush | Semenyo |
| Matches (starts) | 16 (14) | 16 (16) |
| Goals | 7 | 8 |
| Assists | 0 | 3 |
| Touches* | 35.1 | 48.9 |
| Shots (on target)* | 3.1 (1.1) | 2.4 (1.3) |
| Big chances missed | 3 | 5 |
| Accurate passes* | 15.1 (84%) | 19.9 (77%) |
| Big chances created | 8 | 4 |
| Succ. dribbles* | 1.3 | 1.6 |
| Tackles + interceptions* | 1.2 | 1.9 |
| Duels won* | 3.6 | 6.4 |
| Data via Sofascore | ||
It is worth remembering that Marmoush arrived at Man City during a challenging phase for Pep Guardiola, providing crucial respite before being marginalized. Tottenham must now offer him a lifeline.
Last season, he demonstrated prolific goalscoring and creativity across the final third. For a player who was awarded the 2024/25 Goal of the Season and is considered one of the most dangerous attackers on the continent, he desperately needs consistent playing time, whether as a centre-forward, shadow striker, or winger.
Tottenham can give him the platform he needs to remind everyone of his quality, and he might just prove he is a cut above someone like Semenyo.
Rupert Fawcett
