Pep Guardiola already has the perfect Erling Haaland understudy, he’s outscoring Omar Marmoush
Pep Guardiola surely must be concerned by Man City’s overreliance on Erling Haaland for goals this season.
Haaland has recently been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, already boasting 14 goals and an assist in 11 Premier League games, miles ahead of Igor Thiago in second with eight.
There are seven of the Norwegian’s teammates all on one goal, but despite the drastic difference, the Citizens have moved to within four points of league leaders Arsenal.
While Guardiola has played down the concerns over the lack of goals elsewhere, the Catalan should already be looking at solutions, even after Omar Marmoush’s return from injury.
Pep Guardiola must look at Erling Haaland alternatives
Marmoush will take a few weeks to return to his usual self, having notched just one goal since his return from the sidelines, so it is vital that the manager finds a solution to the gulf in goals.
Man City have several talents out on loan this season, and ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, Guardiola could keep tabs on them to work out which ones are ready for the step up at the Etihad.
Divin Mubama joined from West Ham in December 2024, scoring his first goal for the Citizens in the 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford City back in January, before starring for the Under-21s.
The 21-year-old has now joined Stoke City for the 2025-26 campaign, and it is safe to say that the youngster is loving life in the Championship with the Potters.
Divin Mubama sends a clear message to Pep Guardiola from Stoke City
He already has five goals and one assist in 16 appearances, making a remarkable impact in England’s second tier almost instantly, even scoring a hat-trick against Bristol City.
While no player will be able to fill Haaland’s shoes, not even Marmoush, Mubama could be seen as a perfect character to work alongside the world-class striker and learn from him next season.
The former West Ham man has already shown he has what it takes to throw his weight around in the Premier League, though he was rarely given a chance to do so by David Moyes.
Guardiola can change that next season by keeping him with the squad during pre-season before unleashing the young gem on the Premier League.