Antoine Semenyo has registered two goals and one assist in his first two appearances for Manchester City.
Antoine Semenyo appears to have seamlessly integrated into the Manchester City squad, quickly justifying the £62.5 million investment made to acquire him from Bournemouth.
Semenyo marked his debut with a goal and an assist in the FA Cup third round, contributing to a resounding 10-1 victory over League One side Exeter City.
He followed this up by scoring his second goal in as many games, opening the scoring at St James’ Park and helping City establish control in their Carabao Cup semi-final against reigning champions Newcastle.
Semenyo found the net again later in the match, but the goal was disallowed after a video assistant referee review, before City ultimately secured a 2-0 victory.
The 26-year-old brings a unique dimension to City’s attack, describing himself as “powerful, quick and strong,” as well as “clinical,” a trait that could prove crucial in the Premier League title race and City’s pursuit of silverware.
“I was in the right area to tap it in, and we were victorious, so I am happy,” Semenyo stated after the game. “The whole environment here is perfect.”
“Everyone is confident and wants to achieve the best. I have come into that, and they helped with my confidence and made me feel welcome.”
“It has been a lot, but I have enjoyed it so far. I am picking things up very quickly and enjoying it. I am playing with a smile on my face and enjoying every moment.”
Semenyo is poised for another milestone on Saturday, potentially making his Premier League debut at Old Trafford in the Manchester derby.
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Only Erling Haaland (26) and Igor Thiago (17) have scored more goals among Premier League players in all competitions this season than Antoine Semenyo (12).
City’s goalscoring responsibilities have largely fallen on the shoulders of star striker Erling Haaland this season, with the Norwegian international tallying 39 goals in 34 appearances for club and country.
However, the prolific frontman has experienced a recent dip in form, scoring only once in his last six games and last scoring from open play against West Ham on December 20.
Operating primarily as a winger on the right flank, Semenyo’s goalscoring record for Bournemouth, with 10 Premier League goals this season, places him third in the top-flight scoring charts, behind Haaland and Brentford’s Igor Thiago.
Haaland can anticipate not only a new source of goalscoring opportunities – as demonstrated by Semenyo’s assist against Exeter – but also a sharing of the burden of finding the net with a player who scored 32 goals for the Cherries.
Semenyo’s versatility, enabling him to play anywhere across the front three, enhances the options available to manager Pep Guardiola.
The Ghanaian’s speed, direct running, and composed finishing were previously on display in Manchester this season, highlighted by a well-taken goal against United at Old Trafford in a chaotic 4-4 draw.
Guardiola will hope his newest addition can provide a similar level of unpredictability alongside the skill and vision of Phil Foden and the flair of Rayan Cherki in the final third.
City captain Bernardo Silva commented, “He looks not just a very good player but also a very good guy, which fits right in with the team.”
“He is a fantastic guy who wants to help us. Hopefully, he can keep going.”
While the departure of another key player will undoubtedly be a setback, Bournemouth have received a significant transfer fee for yet another player sold since the end of last season.
Semenyo’s sale represents a substantial profit on a player they acquired for £10 million from Championship side Bristol City just three years ago.
The south coast club have now generated approximately £250 million since the summer, but have lost another valuable asset, following the departures of Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez, and Dango Ouattara.
However, this provides manager Andoni Iraola with funds not only to replace Semenyo but also to strengthen other areas of the squad.
Semenyo had been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, but it has been a turbulent few weeks for the Red Devils.
In addition to missing out on the forward to their rivals, they also dismissed head coach Ruben Amorim, with former midfielder Michael Carrick taking over as interim manager for the remainder of the season.
Carrick’s first game is against City on Saturday, and Semenyo, who could have been playing at Old Trafford in a red shirt, will instead be there as an opponent, having already caused problems for the United defense this season.
Premier League leaders Arsenal, aiming for their first title in over two decades, hold a six-point lead at the top of the table but will be nervously monitoring developments, aware that one of their closest challengers has strengthened their squad.
City’s increased options on the right wing could lead to either Oscar Bobb or Savinho leaving the club in January or next summer.
Bobb, who missed almost all of last season with a knee injury and is currently injured again, has been heavily linked with a move to Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.
Savinho has also been inconsistent since his £31 million move from Girona in 2024, struggling to secure a regular place in the team, and Tottenham were in discussions to sign him during the summer.
Guardiola has emphasized that attacking players are judged on their output, but the 21-year-old has contributed only two goals and three assists in 23 appearances this season.
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