Semenyo Pushes For Manchester City Move In The Next 48 Hours: Is His ‘Chaotic’ Style The Perfect Plan B For Guardiola? | OneFootball

Bournemouth’s standout forward, Antoine Semenyo, reportedly wants his move to Manchester City finalised before the calendar turns to January 1st. This desire is creating a real sense of urgency around the potential blockbuster deal.

Sami Mokbel, reporting for BBC Sport, revealed that the Ghanaian international is pushing the Premier League giants to finish the paperwork immediately. However, his current club would rather delay the move.

Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo wants to finalise a move to Manchester City by January 1st

Bournemouth understandably want to keep their star attacker for several big upcoming games. This is a major factor, as his contract contains a £65m release clause that remains valid until January 10th. So, the Cherries are in a strong position to keep him until that date passes. Even so, the player’s own drive to join Pep Guardiola’s squad as soon as possible is adding a lot of tension to the talks.

There is also a tactical twist complicating the timing. Manchester City might actually be better off if Semenyo stays at the Vitality Stadium a few days longer to face their title rivals, Arsenal.

Pundits think City could let Semenyo play one last match for Bournemouth against the Gunners. The hope is that the 25-year-old winger could do some damage to the North London side before he officially moves to the Etihad.

Regardless, Semenyo doesn’t seem interested in these behind-the-scenes tactics. He is focused entirely on joining the Manchester City setup right away. The Bournemouth winger recently displayed his great form by scoring for the Cherries, proving he is ready for a bigger stage. His demand to leave on January 1st is putting immediate pressure on both clubs to find a middle ground that works for everyone.

How will he slot in under Pep Guardiola?

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 27: Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Brentford and Bournemouth at Gtech Community Stadium on December 27, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola usually looks for versatile attackers who can play anywhere across the frontline. Antoine Semenyo fits that mould perfectly because of his directness and strength. The 25-year-old excels at receiving the ball with his back to goal and spinning away from defenders.

The Ghana international then charges into the penalty area, something Manchester City are currently missing in some wide positions. Guardiola often tells his wingers to take on full-backs in one-on-one situations.

Semenyo consistently shows the burst of speed needed to beat his man and get a cross or shot away. On top of that, his high work rate fits right in with the heavy pressing style the City manager expects from his forwards. This means the winger can win the ball back deep in the opponent’s half.

Bringing Semenyo into the squad gives Guardiola a bit of chaos to work with. This is a change from the more controlled style of players like Bernardo Silva or someone like Jack Grealish, who is, of course, on loan at Everton. The Toffees are optimistic about signing him permanently in the summer of 2026.

While some signings need time to learn Guardiola’s complex systems, Semenyo’s raw instinct could give the team an instant “Plan B.” This would be a huge help against the “park the bus” defences that often frustrate City.

This transfer is about more than just bench depth. It shows City are evolving by signing a player who can break down organised defences with pure power and unpredictability. If he keeps playing like this, Semenyo could be a brilliant signing. The Bournemouth star provides the exact spark Manchester City need to chase trophies this season.