Tottenham Swap Van de Ven for Marmoush with Man City Deal

Key Points

• Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush and could propose a swap deal involving three key players.​
• Marmoush joined Manchester City from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025 for £59 million, signing a five-year deal.
• The 26-year-old Egyptian forward has struggled for game time this season, starting only three Premier League matches and one in the Champions League, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists in 42 appearances last term.
• Manchester City recently signed Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for £64 million, reducing Marmoush’s role under Pep Guardiola.
• Tottenham made enquiries about Marmoush on January 3, 2026, viewing him as an alternative attacker.​
• Aston Villa under Unai Emery have also shown interest in Marmoush.​
• Fenerbahce are prepared to bid £26 million (€30 million), but City are reluctant to sell at a loss.​
• Man City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly approved Marmoush seeking more playing time elsewhere, but made a ‘final decision’ not to allow a January exit.
• A summer 2026 move remains possible if Marmoush’s minutes stay low.​
• Former Tottenham striker Mido urged Spurs to sign Marmoush before his 2025 City move.​
• Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is seeking attacking reinforcements amid limited time in the January window.​

North London, Tottenham Hotspur FC (North London New) – January 31, 2026
Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a blockbuster swap deal with Manchester City to land forward Omar Marmoush, with three Spurs players potentially on offer to sweeten the proposal. The 26-year-old Egyptian international, who arrived at the Etihad Stadium for £59 million just a year ago, has become surplus to requirements following City’s big-money acquisition of Antoine Semenyo. Interest from Thomas Frank’s side comes as Marmoush seeks regular first-team football amid limited minutes under Pep Guardiola.

Who is Omar Marmoush and why is he on the move?

Omar Marmoush, the 26-year-old Egyptian forward, completed a high-profile £59 million transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt to Manchester City on 22 January 2025, signing a five-year contract as Guardiola’s third signing that window after defenders Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov. As reported by Sports Mole, Marmoush started 14 of 16 Premier League games in the second half of last season, netting seven goals and two assists, but has since struggled, managing just three Premier League starts and one in the Champions League this term.

City’s £64 million signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth has intensified scrutiny on Marmoush’s role, with the new arrival already scoring three goals and providing an assist in his first four outings. According to Express.co.uk, former Tottenham striker Mido, who played for Spurs, texted the club to urge them to sign Marmoush before his move to City, presciently warning of his Premier League potential. Mido stated that Marmoush

“played a significant role in City’s season conclusion and their FA Cup final against Crystal Palace.”

TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher reported on 21 December 2025 that Tottenham spied an opening post-Semenyo, exploring a deal for the Egypt international. Sources indicate Marmoush wants consistent minutes Guardiola cannot guarantee, with the City boss giving approval for a departure.

Which Tottenham players could feature in the swap deal?

Football.london reports that Tottenham have three key players Manchester City may accept in a blockbuster swap for Marmoush: Micky van de Ven, Radu Drăgușin, and potentially others like a winger or midfielder fitting City’s squad needs. Van de Ven, the Dutch centre-back, has been pivotal for Spurs but injury concerns could make him expendable in a high-stakes deal.​

Drăgușin, the Romanian defender signed last year, represents another defensive option City might value for depth. While specifics on the third player remain fluid, TransferFeed sources suggest Tottenham are evaluating player exchanges to suit financial models, possibly including loan-with-option structures. As noted by journalist Dean Jones in TEAMtalk, Spurs enquired about Marmoush on 3 January 2026 as an alternative to Semenyo, hinting at willingness for creative negotiations.

This approach aligns with Tottenham’s January strategy under Thomas Frank, who needs attacking firepower but faces time constraints before the 2 February deadline.​

What has Pep Guardiola said about Marmoush’s future?

Pep Guardiola has been reluctant to lose Marmoush despite Semenyo’s arrival, valuing his squad rotation role during a packed schedule. Football Insider, via transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke, claims Manchester City have made a ‘final decision’ not to sanction an exit this January, prioritising Premier League and Champions League campaigns. O’Rourke stated:

“Man City have made ‘a final decision’ that they will not sanction an exit for Marmoush.”

However, Guardiola has approved Marmoush seeking regular football elsewhere, as per TikTok reports and TransferFeed insiders. Turkish outlet Fanatik notes City would resist sales at a loss, with Marmoush’s long-term future ideally at the Etihad.

Why are Tottenham targeting Marmoush now?

Tottenham, managed by Thomas Frank, view Marmoush as a high-profile addition to bolster their attack amid a congested fixture list. Dean Jones of TEAMtalk reported Spurs’ early January enquiries, positioning Marmoush as a key target after missing Semenyo. North London needs have grown urgent, with sources telling Jones that Spurs must pay at least £50 million for alternatives if a deal falters.

Fraser Fletcher of TEAMtalk added that a summer 2026 exit from City remains viable if minutes stay low, giving Spurs hope. Express.co.uk highlights Marmoush’s preference to stay in the Premier League, aligning perfectly with Tottenham’s ambitions.

Which other clubs are interested in Marmoush?

Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, have joined the race, credited in multiple reports alongside Tottenham. Turkish giants Fenerbahce are readying a €30 million (£26 million) bid, per Fanatik, but face stiff competition from Premier League sides. Sabah reports Fenerbahce’s intent, while Haber Sarikirmizi claims Tottenham are nearing a deal, though Marmoush eyes only a loan.

Bayern Munich and Galatasaray have been mentioned peripherally, but Marmoush prioritises England. Cagatay Celik noted Aston Villa and Tottenham as prime suitors for a loan.

What is the latest on a potential January deal?

As of 31 January 2026, a January swap looks challenging after City’s ‘final decision’ per Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider. TEAMtalk confirms Spurs must look elsewhere short-term, but summer prospects linger. Football.london’s update teases the three-player swap as viable, with Marmoush open to north London.

Mido’s endorsement adds intrigue: he urged Spurs pre-City move, saying Marmoush has “proven accurate” in the Premier League. With the deadline looming, negotiations could accelerate if City reassess post-Semenyo impact.​

Could Marmoush’s move impact the Premier League title race?

Manchester City’s title defence hinges on squad depth, and losing Marmoush mid-season could disrupt rotation. Tottenham’s gain might propel their top-four push under Frank, especially if the swap yields defensive reinforcements for Guardiola. Aston Villa’s interest, per O’Rourke, underscores mid-table rivals eyeing upward mobility.​

Fraser Fletcher warns of summer flux:

“There is a chance Marmoush could leave Man City in the summer of 2026, particularly if he does not get regular playing time.”

This saga, blending big fees and swaps, exemplifies January’s frenzy.​

Background on Marmoush’s City stint?

Since his £59 million arrival, Marmoush featured prominently last season but has netted sparingly this term amid competition. Sky Sports confirmed the deal’s details, hailing him as a key attacker. Express.co.uk notes his FA Cup final role and 10 goals across competitions.

Now, with Semenyo thriving, Marmoush’s path mirrors many high-profile imports seeking minutes.​