In the end, Tottenham Hotspur got their man. Days after announcing the signing of a different attacker from Manchester City — winger Savio, today Spurs announced the acquisition of Egypt international striker Omar Marmoush.
Marmoush joins the club initially on a season-long loan but with a £50m purchase obligation; past reports suggested
an option that can easily become an obligation with what are reported as “easily obtainable” triggers. The optional fee is lower than perhaps many expected, possibly offset by the £85m transfer fee for Savio, which was higher than expected. All told, City will exchange two players that mostly sit their bench for about £135m. They probably see that as a good deal.
Marmoush joins a Tottenham Hotspur squad that is desperate for goals and for offensive efficacy, something that has been in short supply since the departure of Son Heung-Min. It does beg the question of what Spurs will do with their other two attackers; Richarlison has been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia and a return to Everton, while there have been no rumors about Dominic Solanke, who started yesterday’s win over Charlton in the League Cup and scored Spurs’ second goal.
Marmoush was prolific while at Eintracht Frankfurt, which is what attracted Manchester City and enticed them to sign him a couple of years ago. Since then he’s been more or less nailed to City’s bench, behind some guy named “Erling Haaland.” Naturally his numbers have gone down, but he’s also the kind of player who thrives when given extended minutes, which he should get at Spurs. He’ll most likely play up top at striker, but can also operate as a wide forward, which gives Roberto De Zerbi another tactical arrow in his quiver. He’s a goal poacher, very adept in the press, and a significant threat running in from behind, with a great deal of pace. Spurs are hoping he’ll hit the ground running the way Savio did on Wednesday night, but Spurs still have a bunch of questions and a lot of new pieces that need to gel.
Omar comin’, everybody run.
