After moving to Frankfurt on a free transfer ahead of the 2023-24 season, Marmoush scored 12 goals in 29 league games.

He continued to improve this season. After scoring the equalizer in a 3-3 home draw with Bayern Munich in October, visiting coach Vincent Kompany praised the forward.

"Marmoush is a player who is only going to get better with time", Kompany said, adding the forward's skill was "not normal".

Marmoush's development drew inevitable comparisons with Salah, but the Liverpool star warned against comparisons.

"Omar has great potential and is an important player for his team and the national team currently, but I hope we stay away from the idea of comparisons, because it will put him under pressure," Salah said in November.

"Do not compare him to me, do not say the 'new Mohamed Salah', let him live his career. Comparing a player at the beginning of his career with another who has achieved a lot over many years does not help him."

While Marmoush may wish to blaze his own trail, a move to Manchester City would make comparisons with Egypt's best-known sporting export unavoidable.

AFP