Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly rejected a January transfer request from Aston Villa for Egyptian winger Omar Marmoush, as the Premier League champions remain unwilling to part ways with the player midway through the season.
According to reports from CaughtOffside, Aston Villa expressed interest in signing Marmoush during the winter transfer window, but City’s management and Guardiola are keen to keep the 26-year-old as part of their long-term plans, despite his limited playing time so far this campaign.
Marmoush has started only two Premier League matches and one UEFA Champions League game this season, with most of his appearances coming from the bench.
Intense competition in City’s attacking line, combined with Guardiola’s rotation-heavy approach, has restricted the Egyptian international’s opportunities to secure a regular starting role.
The report added that Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery, whose side is regarded as one of the most tactically advanced teams in the Premier League, is eager to strengthen his squad depth to compete domestically and in Europe.
Emery reportedly views Marmoush as an attractive option due to his versatility, as he is capable of playing both centrally and out wide.
However, Manchester City are said to be firmly against any mid-season departures. Despite Marmoush’s limited minutes, the club continues to see him as a key player for the future and believes he can play an important role in the second half of the season.
Guardiola is understood to highly value Marmoush’s adaptability and pressing intensity, particularly with a congested fixture schedule and the risk of injuries becoming a decisive factor later in the campaign.
Follow the latest news on Google News
