How Antoine Semenyo can inspire Manchester City’s title hopes | OneFootball

Antoine Semenyo has been one of the star players in the Premier League so far this campaign, scoring 10 and assisting three in 20 league fixtures.

And perhaps unsurprisingly, it was arguably this acceleration in form that led to Manchester City getting the chequebook out without too much hesitation, and paying Bournemouth an initial £62.5 million for the 26-year-old as they vie for silverware on several fronts.

The Ghanaian international’s electric form in attacking departments for Andoni Iraola’s side has been one that has caught much attention from across Europe this season, but what can he now offer Manchester City?

Versatility

A key factor of Antoine Semenyo’s immense form so far this campaign has been down to his versatility, and his ability to seamlessly perform in a variety of different positions across the forward line.

The now-former Bournemouth star’s ability with both feet now puts him in good stead to perform comfortably on either flank for Manchester City, as well as offering a threat in central areas of the pitch.

When playing on the left, the Ghanaian often has an exceptional attacking relationship with his left-back – whether that be Milos Kerkez last season, or the Hungarian’s replacement Adrien Truffert this campaign.

This relationship allows Antoine Semenyo to thrive, giving him an extra option to create chances and score goals.

This versatility is essential for Pep Guardiola and the variety of different tactical systems he utilises throughout the campaign. Whether that be his 4-1-4-1 structure, or a slightly more vertical oriented 4-3-2-1 system.

This tactical flexibility will lead to Antoine Semenyo getting regular chances to perform for Pep Guardiola’s City side and recognise how he fits into the Mancunian jiggsaw puzzle.

Leadership

Another factor that has significantly developed for the Ghanaian this campaign is leadership, with Semenyo first rising through the lower tiers of football by joining National League South side Bath City on a six-month loan from Bristol City back in 2018.

Subsequently, the forward played for various other EFL clubs including Newport County in League Two, as well as Sunderland – who were in League One during his stint at the club. He finally got the opportunity to play for Bristol City consistently in the 2020/21 campaign before eventually joining Bournemouth in January 2023.

His gradual rise in the English football pyramid provides valuable experience for a young, slightly inexperienced City side. Semenyo’s experience and leadership ability was recognised by Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, who often gave the winger the captain’s armband this term, with the Spanish manager stating Semenyo was “one of the best I have ever coached”.

And it is perhaps this recognition from a fellow Spanish manager that will no doubt excite Manchester City supporters, as well as the notoriously high standards of Pep Guardiola.

Goals, goals, and more goals (and some assists too)

Antoine Semenyo’s form has skyrocketed this campaign, notching 13 goals and assists in 20 Premier League games, with the Ghanaian international currently third in the Golden Boot race, behind only Igor Thiago (16) and Erling Haaland (20). Semenyo is also third in the overall goals and assists ranking in the English top-flight.

Alongside his staggering numbers in the first half of this season, the 26-year-old has incredibly over-performed his expected goals (6.64) and his expected assists (1.84) in the south coast.

Semenyo also did the same in his previous Premier League campaign, overcoming his 9.98xG and 4.35xA with 11 goals and five assists. These stats outline the player’s consistent eye for goal and chance creation, making it clear that he loves a long range effort, with four of his 10 Premier League goals this term coming from outside the penalty box.

This attacking addition helps to inspire Manchester City to score even more goals, despite topping the Premier League table for goals scored (45) and goals per match (2.1).

Conclusion

Manchester City’s first signing of 2026 comes with high expectations, and significantly with his form in recent months of the Premier League. Can that same form from the sandy beaches of Bournemouth translate to the big city life of Manchester?