Omar Marmoush’s future at Manchester City is no longer just a passing question, as his struggle to secure a regular starting role has become one of the main issues surrounding the Egyptian star since his move from Eintracht Frankfurt to the English club at the beginning of 2025.

Marmoush has more than enough quality to prove that he can make a difference, and his latest performance against Atletico Madrid was further evidence of that, as he scored twice in City’s 3-1 victory. However, shining in one match does not necessarily mean that the path to a starting place has suddenly opened up.

The real problem is not Marmoush’s ability, but the nature of the competition within the squad, particularly the presence of Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, who remains a key figure in Manchester City’s attacking plans.

That leaves Marmoush facing a difficult decision: should he continue fighting for his place at Manchester City, even if securing a regular starting role remains complicated, or should he look for a club that can offer him the role he deserves?

Haaland remains the main obstacle, and Marmoush needs more than minutes

The numbers tell an important part of the story. Marmoush has started 22 Premier League matches since joining Manchester City, while making another 15 appearances from the bench. He has also scored 10 league goals.

Those numbers are far from disappointing. In fact, they show that the Egyptian forward is capable of taking advantage of his opportunities when he gets them. The problem, however, has been consistency and regular playing time.

Haaland’s presence makes the battle for the striker position even more difficult. For Marmoush, the question is therefore not simply how many goals he can score, but what kind of role he can secure within the team’s project.

Comments from Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca have added further weight to the situation, with the Italian making it clear that Marmoush’s future is ultimately in the player’s hands. He pointed to the example of goalkeeper James Trafford, who left City for Leeds United in search of more playing time.

That raises the key question: Manchester City can keep Marmoush, but can the club give him what he really needs?

If he remains primarily an alternative to Haaland, Marmoush could face another season of waiting despite having the ability to make a significant contribution.

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Stay at City or leave? The toughest decision of Marmoush’s career

From a footballing perspective, staying at Manchester City offers Marmoush an opportunity that cannot be ignored. He is part of one of Europe’s biggest clubs, trains and plays alongside elite players, and has the chance to compete for major trophies.

But football is not measured by the name of the club alone.

At 27, regular minutes and a starting role could be more important for Marmoush than remaining at a major club if his involvement continues to be limited.

This is where potential offers from other clubs could become a decisive factor in determining his future. If a club can offer him a starting position and a clear project built around him, leaving Manchester City would not necessarily represent a step backward in his career. It could instead be a smart move that allows him to prove himself away from direct competition with Haaland.

At the same time, leaving Manchester City would not be a simple decision. Marmoush still has the ability to change the situation if he makes the most of his opportunities, and his brace against Atletico Madrid is a clear example of what he can produce when given enough space and responsibility.

The bottom line is that the issue is not whether Marmoush is good enough to play for Manchester City, but whether he can play regularly.

If Maresca sees him as a player capable of becoming a regular starter and an important part of the team, staying would be the best option. But if his role remains limited to coming off the bench or waiting for Haaland to be unavailable, looking for a new challenge could be more beneficial to his career.

Marmoush now stands at a genuine crossroads: either he succeeds in securing his place at Manchester City, or he chooses a path that gives him a greater opportunity to become the main star rather than remaining in another player’s shadow.

Ultimately, as Maresca indicated, the decision is in Marmoush’s hands.