Manchester City Striker Must Decide His Own Future, Coach Won't Hold Him Back

The 27-year-old Egyptian forward has struggled to secure a regular starting spot since his arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025. He has featured in 22 Premier League matches, with an additional 15 appearances coming off the bench. His position is complicated by fierce competition, as Norwegian goal-machine Erling Haaland remains the undisputed first-choice striker.

“Players work hard every day and want to play, so when they don't get on the pitch, they're not happy. Omar didn't play much last year and probably wants more minutes. It doesn't mean he can't get them here, but it's also his decision. He has to decide,” Maresca was quoted as saying by DPA.

Marmoush, notably, scored twice in Sunday's pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid in Seoul, a match City won 3-1. Maresca drew parallels between the player's situation and that of goalkeeper James Trafford, who departed for Leeds last week. Marmoush is under contract with the Manchester club until the summer of 2029.