Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly demanding €80m (£67m) for their talented striker Omar Marmoush, who has proven to be a key player transfer Goal for Manchester City.
The Egypt international was initially on Liverpool’s radar after scoring 13 goals and eight assists in 15 Bundesliga games before the winter break. However, Pep Guardiola’s struggling City team are keen to provide reinforcements in all areas of the pitch to salvage their derailed season.
Marmoush was thought to be available for around £40 million, but Sky Sport Germany are now reporting that Frankfurt will demand up to £67m, with any fee below that amount being viewed as ridiculous.
Frankfurt’s sporting director Markus Krosche reiterated the club’s stance regarding interest in its star players in the winter window.
“Our fundamental intention is to keep the team together,” said Krosche Kicker this week. “Something extraordinary would have to happen for us to move away from this position.”
The player himself has done his best to play down the rampant speculation, stressing that he is “not thinking about a transfer”. “I live in the here and now and enjoy my time in Frankfurt,” added Marmoush.
Marmoush’s contract is not believed to contain a release clause and negotiations between City and Frankfurt have yet to even begin pending confirmation of the Premier League club’s interest.
Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala is another player City are interested in. While the 21-year-old is unlikely to move this month, he has reportedly requested a release clause be included in any future contract he signs for Bayern – which City gives and every other suitor seeks a fixed price.
Guardiola’s side have already made progress in talks this month with the centre-back duo of Palmeiras teenager Vitor Reis and Lens young talent Abdukodir Khusanov, in a deal worth up to €80 million.
City are in a financially healthy position after making a profit of almost £100m in last summer’s transfer window. However, it remains to be seen whether they will be willing to pay Frankfurt’s high price for a player who has only once scored more than five league goals in a single season.