Omar Marmoush demands Maresca talks as Man City star seeks clarity over Etihad future

Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush is set to hold talks with new manager Enzo Maresca when he returns for pre-season, with the Egyptian eager to understand his place in the club’s plans for the 2026/27 campaign.

Marmoush is among a number of City players who have been handed an extended summer break after featuring deep into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with their respective nations. His return date will determine whether he takes part in the club’s pre-season tour of Hong Kong and South Korea, where City are scheduled to play three friendly matches in early August.

While Erling Haaland is expected to miss the tour, Marmoush’s involvement remains uncertain as he prepares to link up with Maresca for the first time since the Italian replaced Pep Guardiola as City’s head coach.

Marmoush wants clarity after difficult second half of season

The 27-year-old’s first full stretch at the Etihad Stadium did not go entirely as planned after his impressive arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025.

Marmoush joined City following a sensational opening half of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season, where he scored 20 goals in all competitions for Frankfurt before earning a move to England. However, his impact slowed after arriving in Manchester, with Guardiola often rotating him as a starting option.

The forward managed just three Premier League goals during the campaign, a significant drop from the seven goals he scored in the second half of the 2024/25 season before his move to City.

With Maresca now taking charge of the club, Marmoush wants a clearer understanding of how he fits into the new manager’s tactical approach and whether he will be given the responsibility to become a regular feature in the starting XI.

According to TeamTalk, Marmoush is keen to speak directly with Maresca about his role and expectations ahead of the new season. While he remains willing to compete for his place at City, he wants assurances about what he must do to secure a more prominent position in the squad.

Spurs, Newcastle monitoring situation

Marmoush’s future could become a talking point if he feels his opportunities under Maresca will remain limited.

Several clubs have already been alerted to his situation, with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United reportedly monitoring developments as both sides look to strengthen their attacking options.

A possible return to Germany has also emerged as an option for the Egyptian, who established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most dangerous forwards before moving to the Premier League.

Despite the speculation, Marmoush is not actively pushing for an exit and remains prepared to fight for his place at Manchester City. His priority is to understand Maresca’s vision and whether he will be central to the club’s plans moving forward.

The upcoming conversation between the pair could prove decisive in determining whether Marmoush commits himself to another season at the Etihad or considers alternatives elsewhere.