Manchester City he might not win Premier League title for the fifth season in a row this term, but Pep Guardiola he will hope his team can recover by 2025/26.
It felt like the end of an era at the Etihad over the previous few months. Regardless of the pace of the title race, defeat in the round of 16 of the League Cup and finishing 22nd in the Champions League table, the FA Cup could be the most realistic chance of silverware.
Despite his poor form in recent months, the Spaniard signed a new two-year an extension to his contract, suggesting he is still in it.
This month could be crucial when it comes to adding some reinforcements to his squad, especially with several parts of the squad stagnating of late.
One player who seems certain to move to Manchester before the end of the transfer window is Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush, as a verbal agreement was reached.
Erling Haaland is the only senior striker in the current team, which is why every game is a big effort.
Marmoush, then, is the perfect signing for Guardiola, especially judging by his record in front of goal this season.
This season’s statistics of Omar Marmoush
The 25-year-old was on fire this season in Germany for Frankfurt, scoring 20 goals in just 26 games for the club in all competitions.
Attacker scored every 97 minutes in the Bundesliga, while also contributing in other areas, including creating 11 big chances, averaging 2.1 key passes and achieving a league-best 2.7 dribbles per game.
The Egyptian is arguably a better all-around striker than Haaland, and these attributes could perhaps help City return to their prime over the next few months.
Compared to his peers in terms of positions in the top five European leagues, even Marmoush is in the top 1% for shot creation and assist actions, the first 3% for successful takeovers and in the first 9% for touches in the opponent’s penalty area.
Actions that create a shot are the parts of the game that lead to a shot. This includes moments such as passing, receiving or drawing fouls.
This statistic proves that Guardiola is buying one of the best strikers in Europe. Let’s hope he can be the catalyst needed to spur the rest of the team on.
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Comparison of Omar Marmoush and Erling Haaland 2024/25. (league only) |
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|---|---|---|
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Metric |
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Objectives |
16 |
15 |
|
Assists |
1 |
9 |
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Key passes per match |
0.9 |
2.1 |
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Great chances were created |
2 |
11 |
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Scoring frequency (minutes) |
118 |
97 |
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Successful dribbles per game |
0.5 |
2.7 |
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Statistics via Sofascore |
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Signing such a player will not come cheap for the Etihad. According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, City will they have to pay compensation of about 80 million euros (£67.5m) to sign the striker this month.
Considering his form during the 2024/25 season, there is no doubt that Marmoush is worth a fee in this region and Frankfurt are firm in their assessment of their valuable asset.
Despite the amount of money the Spaniard has spent trying to improve his squad, there is already a player at the club who is worth even more than Marmoush after a solid start to the season…
The player on whom Man City won gold
In an attempt to improve his wide options, Guardiola spent £30m to sign winger Savinho from French side Troyes last summer.
During his loan at Girona in 2023/24, he is scored 11 goals and grabbed ten assists as they secured Champions League qualification after a stunning season in La Liga.
This prompted City to secure his signature from Troyes, which is part of the City Football Group. City director of football Txiki Begiristain said then:
“He has a big role to play for Manchester City this season and beyond.
“We are fully confident in his abilities. He is still young and has the potential to get even better, and everyone knows that Pep is the best at helping players develop further.”
So far, he has shown glimpses of his quality in England following his move just seven months ago.
Savinho’s season in numbers
The Brazilian had a lot of confidence in him from the manager, started 19 of his 27 appearances so far this season. During his time on the pitch, the winger scored one goal and provided eight assists in all competitions.
During the early part of the season, Savinho received much praise from pundit Paul Merson, who backed the City starlet become a “superstar” in future.
“I haven’t seen anything like that for a long time,” Merson added when discussing the summer signing, and if he maintains his current form, he could be a star for City in the coming years.
Indeed, compared to his peers by position in Europe’s top five leagues, the 20-year-old is in the top 3% for progressive carries (6.51) and successful take-ons (3.33) per 90, along with ranking in the top 11% for touches in the opposition penalty area (6.77) and assists (0.35) per 90 over the previous 365 days.
His potential is limitless and the £30m fee Guardiola paid for him looks like one of the best buys in City’s recent transfer history.
Not only that, but Savinho’s market value has also increased since he moved to England last summer…
Savinho’s market value at Man City
According to the CIES Football Observatory, compared to fellow Brazilians in terms of market value, Savinho ranks fifth, ahead of players such as Gabriel, Bruno Guimaraes and Evanilson.
The most impressive aspect? His evaluation it currently amounts to EUR 95.3 million (£80.5 million), which is the result of a good performance in England under Guardiola.
Not only does that suggest the club could make a significant profit on him if they so choose, but his value is also higher than Marmoush’s.
They have a real sensation in their midst and the manager will be hoping to give him plenty more playing time, which will only allow the Brazilian to get better and better as time goes on.
Market drivers
Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star or biggest failure worth today?
The £40k a week starlet could be the next big talisman at City in the next few years. With Guardiola looking to bring in other young talents, is Savinho the future?
Judging by the recent form, he is the present.
