Manchester City they were massively disappointing in 2024/25, with any hope of retaining Premier League the title for another season is almost enough after 21 games.
Pep GuardiolaThe team is currently in sixth place, already 12 points behind current leaders Liverpool, and Arne Slot’s players also have a game in hand against the Citizens.
Their terrible form between October and December has given the team a huge task to revive their title ambitions, winning just once in 13 games in all competitions.
Such a slump has seen the hierarchy bring back the boss in the transfer window, with a number of deals nearing completion – including that of Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov, with Fabrizio Romano giving here he is about his move to England.
After signing the Uzbekistan international, it looks like the hierarchy will target another player who could feature alongside the youngster once the window closes in a few weeks’ time.
According to I News, Man City have started talks with Miloš Kerkez’s agents after his impressive start to the campaign.
However, they are not alone in their pursuit of the Bournemouth star, with Liverpool and Manchester United also in the running for his signature.
Despite City’s interest, the report claims Liverpool are currently leading the race for his services, with Kerkez keen on a move to Anfield.
The interest comes as no surprise given his form at Vitality, appearing in every Premier League game in 2024/25, registering one goal and three assists in the process.
The Cherries are not said to be planning to offload the 21-year-old but could entertain offers in the region of £50m for the defender before the end of the window.
He would undoubtedly improve the options at Guardiola’s disposal, helping to push him back into the top four in the second half of the season, potentially forming an excellent partnership with a fellow newcomer.
Why Kerkez would be perfect for Marmoush at Man City
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush is reportedly close to swapping Germany for England, with journalist Romano claiming that personal conditions have already been agreed upon with the Egyptian about a move to the Etihad.
However, the two sides have yet to agree a fee for the 25-year-old who is already scored 15 times in just 17 league appearances for the composition of the Bundesliga.
His goalscoring prowess would inject extra quality into the forward line, helping the team create more chances, subsequently enhancing ambitions to turn their fortunes around in attacking areas.
Erling Haaland is sure to remain City’s number one striker and Marmoush is likely to play in and around the Norwegian, potentially in a left-back role – which could see him form a partnership with Kerkez if he moves to the north-west.
Despite being a defender, who was called “one of the best left back prospects” analyst Ben Mattinson, started at both ends of the pitch, giving the Egyptian ammunition to thrive in England following his big-money move.
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Statistics of Miloš Kerkez in the Premier League (2024/25) |
|
|---|---|
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Statistics (at 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
21 |
|
Goals and assists |
4 |
|
Progressive additions |
4.6 |
|
Progressive mounts |
2.6 |
|
It goes into the last third |
2.3 |
|
Actions to create a shot |
2.4 |
|
Tackles won |
1.5 |
|
% of attacks won |
58% |
|
Interceptions |
1.2 |
|
Statistics via FBref |
|
He managed to finish 4.6 progressive passes and 2.6 progressive carries 90 each, showing his ability to take the ball into attacking areas and create opportunities for players in the final third.
However, he is more than capable on defense, winning 1.5 attacks per 90winning 58% of the battles he participated in, helping the defensive unit transform their recent fortunes.
£50m may seem like a hefty fee for a second-rounder given the recent transfer rumours, but it would be well worth it for a youngster capable of making an immediate first-team impact.
While Liverpool may hold the upper hand in the race for his signature, it is crucial that the hierarchy work tirelessly to secure the Hungarian’s move, allowing Marmoush to flourish with his move to Manchester.
