Eintracht Frankfurt’s sporting director Markus Krosche told journalists on Sunday that the club insists on keeping Egyptian striker Omar Marmoush despite rumours regarding the player’s transfer.

Though the German club has been receiving offers from top European teams, Eintracht is determined to retain their key players in the immediate future, including Marmoush following his brilliant performances this season.

Krosche emphasised the club’s priority of maintaining team unity and solidity. “While transfer revenue is crucial, our main focus is on squad retention,” he said. “Even a transfer offer of €40 million would not tempt us to part ways with him.”

Krosche acknowledged Frankfurt’s financial considerations and hinted at potential future transfers involving players like Marmoush and Hugo Ekitike. “For many players joining us, it’s about creating an environment that fosters their growth. If their development outpaces the club’s progress, we may explore transfer opportunities,” he said.

Eintracht noted the club’s ability to attract and nurture young talent effectively. “Omar has thrived and boomed in our supportive environment, characterised by high energy levels within the club. The synergy between him and the team is evident in his exceptional performances,” he said.

Manchester City and Arsenal and probably Liverpool are among the clubs interested in Marmoush but they will face competition from other renowned clubs interested in including the player.

The 25-year-old Marmoush has been a standout performer this season with his German team, scoring 11 goals and assisting in seven others in the first 10 league matches. With Egypt, he has scored six goals in 34 appearances, playing alongside Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah.

While attending the Sharjah International Book Fair as a special guest, Salah replied to questions comparing the two players.

“Marmoush is a talented player who plays a crucial role for his team and the Egyptian national squad,” Salah said, stressing the need to support Marmoush without drawing comparisons to established players like himself.

Salah highlighted the importance of allowing Marmoush to shape his own route in football. Recent chants from Egyptian fans comparing Marmoush to Salah as the ‘new Mo’ drove Salah to address the issue.

“Stop comparing Omar Marmoush to me,” Salah said during a seminar at the fair. “Such comparisons only add unnecessary pressure, especially considering his early career stage.”

Salah urged fans to let Marmoush enjoy his unique journey without the burden of unrealistic expectations, insisting that constant comparisons hinder rather than help Marmoush’s development.

“Let’s support Marmoush in his distinctive journey without the weight of comparisons. Each player’s path is different, and we should allow him the space to grow and excel in his own right,” Salah added.

Marmoush was born on 7 February 1999 in Cairo. He played for Wadi Degla SC from 2016-2017, VfL Wolfsburg from 2017-2021, FC St. Pauli from 2021-2021, VfL Wolfsburg again from 2021-2021, for VfB Stuttgart from 2021-2022, back to VfL Wolfsburg from 2022-2023 and for Eintracht Frankfurt since 2023.

He has played 101 matches in the Bundesliga. Of these, he has won 38 and netted 31 goals. Thus far, he has completed 39 matches with his present squad. With Eintracht, Marmoush has scored 23 goals. With a total of 31 goals in his Bundesliga career so far, he presently takes 28th place on the active scoring chart.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 21 November, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly