Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for what could be one of their most ambitious January transfer windows in recent years, and all signs suggest that attacking reinforcements sit right at the top of the club’s priority list.
With Thomas Frank keen to add more cutting edge to his squad, Spurs are closely watching developments at Manchester City that could open the door to a major move of their own.
Manchester City are widely expected to activate Antoine Semenyo’s £65 million release clause when the window opens. The forward has reportedly made City his preferred destination, and the deal could be wrapped up quickly once January begins.
While that news may frustrate Tottenham fans who hoped to see Semenyo arrive in north London, it could indirectly work in Spurs’ favour by reshaping City’s attacking options.
Tottenham believe City’s pursuit of Semenyo could make Omar Marmoush’s future less certain, and they are ready to take advantage if an opportunity presents itself.
Reports suggest Spurs are pushing hard behind the scenes to explore a deal for the Egyptian forward, who is currently earning around £370,000 per week at the Etihad. It would be a bold move, but one that underlines Tottenham’s desire to make a statement in the market.
Marmoush’s situation at City is far from straightforward. Although he remains highly rated by Pep Guardiola, competition for places is fierce, and his role could become even more limited if Semenyo arrives.
Marmoush has found starts hard to come by this season, despite making solid contributions when given chances. For a player in his prime years, the idea of slipping further down the pecking order may not be appealing.
The 26-year-old has built a reputation as a dangerous and versatile attacker. Before his move to Manchester City, he was outstanding in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt, where he delivered an impressive return of goals and assists in a relatively short space of time.
His form earned him a big-money transfer to England, and since arriving, he has continued to show flashes of the quality that once saw him described as world-class.
At City, Marmoush has contributed goals and assists across all competitions, but consistent minutes have been hard to secure in a squad packed with elite talent. Guardiola values his intelligence, movement, and technical ability, yet the manager’s constant rotation means no attacking player is ever guaranteed a central role.
The potential arrival of Semenyo, who can operate both through the middle and out wide, could further complicate Marmoush’s pathway into the starting eleven.
From Tottenham’s point of view, Marmoush ticks many boxes. Spurs have lacked a truly elite forward presence, especially during periods when injuries or inconsistency have disrupted their attack.
Marmoush’s ability to play across the front line, link play, and score goals would bring a new dimension to Frank’s system. He combines pace with sharp decision-making and is comfortable taking responsibility in big moments, traits Tottenham have often been accused of lacking.
However, completing such a deal would be anything but simple. Marmoush is under contract with Manchester City until the end of the 2028/29 season, and he only joined the club around a year ago for a fee close to £59 million.
City are under no pressure to sell, especially not mid-season, and any negotiation would likely begin at a very high price.
For Tottenham, committing a sum close to Marmoush’s original transfer fee would represent a huge financial statement. It would also require careful consideration of wages, given his reported weekly salary.
Spurs would need to be convinced that he is not just a short-term solution, but a cornerstone of their attack for years to come.
There is also the question of City’s stance. Guardiola remains an admirer of Marmoush, and unless the player actively pushes for a move, City may prefer to keep him as part of their long-term plans.
Still, football moves quickly, and squad dynamics can change overnight. If Semenyo arrives and Marmoush feels his role shrinking, Tottenham could find the door slightly ajar.
For now, Spurs fans can sense that something is brewing. The club’s intent appears clear, even if the outcome remains uncertain. Signing a player of Marmoush’s calibre would send a strong message about Tottenham’s ambitions under Thomas Frank.
Whether that ambition turns into action will depend on City’s willingness to negotiate, the player’s own desires, and Spurs’ readiness to spend big.
As January approaches, this situation is one to watch closely. Tottenham are pushing, Manchester City are weighing their options, and Omar Marmoush sits at the centre of a potential transfer story that could define Spurs’ season.
