Can Antoine Semenyo play for Manchester City against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup? | OneFootball

A new report has confirmed competition rules that will directly affect two Manchester City stars against Newcastle United this week in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg.

With Antoine Semenyo only just beginning his City career following a £62.5 million move from Bournemouth and a five-and-a-half year contract running until 2031, the question of cup eligibility has become increasingly important given City’s congested fixture schedule.

Semenyo’s immediate impact since arriving at the Etihad has only heightened anticipation. After being formally announced on Friday, the Ghanaian made his debut in spectacular fashion during Saturday afternoon’s 10-1 FA Cup third round victory over Exeter, scoring and assisting before being withdrawn in the second half and collecting the Player of the Match award.

Alongside Semenyo, attention has also turned to Max Alleyne, who recently returned to City following a recall from a loan at Championship side Watford. With Guardiola managing fitness and rotation across competitions, clarity around squad availability could be crucial.

Now, as clarified by BBC Sport, City will have Antoine Semenyo available for their Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg and second-leg against Newcastle United after a change to the competition’s rules this season.

After the Ghanaian came off the bench for Bournemouth in a second round defeat by Brentford back in August, Semenyo would have been cup-tied in previous seasons. But EFL rule 6.4 states that a player is permitted to play for up to two clubs in the competition in a season.

The report has also confirmed that the same change in rules benefits Max Alleyne, who was recalled from a loan at Championship side Watford, making the young English defender also available for selection by Pep Guardiola.

This update represents a major boost for City, particularly given how swiftly Semenyo has adapted to Pep Guardiola’s system. His debut performance in the FA Cup served as an early indication of the physicality, directness, and end product that City have been seeking from a wide forward.

It also aligns with the broader strategy behind his signing, with City securing favourable financial conditions on the deal by agreeing to a £62.5 million guaranteed fee plus potential add-ons – avoiding the immediate activation of his release clause – and spreading payments over a structured period.

Looking ahead, the ability to deploy Semenyo in the Carabao Cup semi-final gives Guardiola an additional tactical weapon against Newcastle, whether from the start or as an impact substitute and his pace, power, and attacking output could prove decisive in a high-intensity knockout tie.

Meanwhile, Max Alleyne’s availability offers further depth at the back, especially valuable across two legs where rotation and squad management will be essential, and as Guardiola continues to compete without Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and John Stones.