Man City step up rebuild with signing of Marmoush for £59 million

LONDON: Manchester City on Thursday announced the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush, with Kyle Walker joining AC Milan on loan, as the club step up their rebuild during a disappointing season.

Egypt forward Marmoush has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Premier League champions for an initial fee of £59 million ($72.6 million) with add-ons worth a potential £4 million.

He is City´s third signing of the January transfer window following the arrivals of defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis as manager Pep Guardiola reshapes his squad. The 25-year-old, who scored 37 goals in 67 games for Bundesliga side Frankfurt, said signing for City was “an amazing feeling”.

“With Pep, his technical staff and the world-class facilities here, players have everything they need to improve,” he said. “That was really enticing for me when I had the chance to come here.

“And I cannot deny I also want to win trophies. City have been the most successful club in England for many, many years, so I know I am joining a winning environment and winning culture.”

Director of football Txiki Begiristain said Marmoush, who has 35 international caps, was an “accomplished and exciting forward”. “He´s had an outstanding season, and every time we have watched him, he has influenced matches,” he said.

“He has all the attributes a top-class attacker requires. He has outstanding pace and awareness, and he is exceptional in front of goal. He can also play a number of different positions, which is a really valuable asset.”

Marmoush´s arrival at the Etihad comes during a frustrating season for City by their sky-high standards. The club, Premier League champions for the past four seasons, are currently fifth in the table, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool and realistically out of the title race.