Henry Winter: City have got the complete package in Semenyo and Guéhi

Henry Winter believes that City have acquired ‘the complete package’ in bringing both Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi to the Club across the January transfer window.

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Though the 2026 winter window formally closed on Monday evening, City had completed our incoming business well in advance of that deadline by smoothly securing the services of both Semenyo and Guéhi.

Boasting a wealth of both Premier League and international experience, at the age of 26 and 25 respectively, Semenyo and Guéhi are also approaching the peak years of their careers.

With the pair also having garnered interest from a host of other leading clubs, their capture represented a huge boost to Pep Guardiola’s squad – both looking to the short and long term.

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And for Winter, one of the most respected and authoritative journalists to have covered the English game over the past three decades, in signing Semenyo and Guéhi, City have acquired not just stellar talents on the pitch but superb individuals off it too.

“I mean, it’s such a coup to get them - especially in January when it can be very difficult to do business,” says Winter.

“But it’s Manchester City. One of the biggest clubs in the world, going for the Champions League, pushing for the Premier League and people want to play for Pep.

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“Then you consider the four league titles on the spin; the Treble… Manchester City is obviously a target destination for elite players so that element doesn’t surprise me.

“So, I think when Manchester City come in for such top players and you’ve got Pep’s name in the background, it’s hugely appealing.

“But what City also do superbly, which perhaps a lot of other clubs maybe don’t, is their due diligence into a player’s character, as well as their ability to fit into the team on a technical and tactical level.

“And you’ve got two starters in Marc and Antoine, who are incredibly good characters and they will be popular in the dressing room and popular around the campus, because they’re just good, humble guys.

“As well as being such incredible players you can also put them in a similar category, most of all as humble, grounded individuals.

“They both come from what I would consider really strong backgrounds in terms of their parents and families.

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“I mean with Semenyo; his dad Larry played in the Ghanaian League if memory serves me right and his mum’s a healthcare worker so there is that commitment to help others.

“And it’s the same with Guéhi as well. There is the story about his dad being a pastor and how Marc used to go into the local church as a young lad and play the drums and how he is such a thoughtful person.

“So, there is a real hinterland there with the both of them – it shows they are just terrific, rounded people with no hint of ego.

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“In terms of tactical and technical excellence, I mean it’s evident what quality players City have brought in.

“You saw that with Marc on his City debut, and you saw that with Antoine on his debut where he provided both a goal and an assist.

“They will absolutely deliver on every level.

“I would also think Marc could be a future City captain. Obviously, there are great leaders at the club already such as Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Rodri but Guéhi has already proved an outstanding captain at Crystal Palace and one with terrific leadership qualities.

“And he’ll develop even more through daily contact with the likes of John Stones. Obviously, John’s injured at the moment, but just John’s personality, the way John deals with the focus of being an elite player - Marc will grow even more from that.

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“So, I think you’ve got an outstanding player, with good injury record and an elite defender who will also contribute goals.

“It’s the same with Semenyo. Obviously, he plays in a completely different position, and he is fantastic down the wing with his pace, his quality and all-round attacking threat.“I remember watching him when he was on loan at Bristol City and you could see even then the explosive raw talent.

“And I think it’s quite ironic when everyone’s saying, ‘Oh, Pep’s the master of dominating the centre of the pitch,’ which, to be fair, he does to such great effect.

“But also, I think City are the one team that’s playing with most width at the moment, in terms of Jeremy Doku on the left and Semenyo, when he comes in on the right and it’s been so great to see

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“However, if you do need to play more centrally, Antoine can play there as well so effectively.

“So, there’s quality, versatility, humility, work ethic, certainly with Semenyo, and the same quality, humility and the work ethic and the leadership with Guéhi.

“Whichever way you look at it, they are two top quality signings on every single level.”

City v Newcastle Second leg tickets available!

See the conclusion of what promises to be a thrilling final four tie at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday 4 February.

Newcastle are the holders of the Carabao Cup and will be determined to hold on to their crown, while City are seeking a ninth success in League Cup history.

Tickets start from £20 for adults and £10 for concessions, while a wide range of hospitality packages starting from £250 are also on offer to make it a special occasion!

*On sale to Season Ticket Members and existing Cityzens Matchday and Junior Members (as of Tue 16 Dec 2025) who have purchased 1+ home fixtures at the Etihad Stadium. 4 tickets per person.

Get your tickets here!