The file on player Antoine Semenyo is unique, and his potential valuation appears to represent a promising deal for Manchester City.
In terms of style, City has resorted this season to alternating rapid attacks with increased speed compared to how it was under Guardiola’s management, which focused on empowering players like Haaland, Foden, Tijjani Reijnders, and Doku through fast attacks over long distances.
As a result, City has been able to score more goals from fast breaks this season than it achieved during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons combined.
Bournemouth’s direct attacking style means that Semenyo possesses speed, good hold-up play upon receiving the ball, smart decision-making, and excellence in finishing with either foot—all skills that facilitate his transition to the City team.
These skills are very dangerous, especially when resorting to long passing against teams attempting a high press from their own half.
Guardiola prefers players who can be used in multiple positions because they provide solutions for injury emergencies.
With Doku sidelined due to injury, Reijnders took his place, and Foden was moved to the left. Semenyo would provide proven Premier League quality on both wings.
“During our successful years, it wasn’t only the attacking players (goalscorers) who scored goals, but especially the wingers and the center-attacking midfield. We need that,” Guardiola stated last month.
Guardiola likely wants to address the over-reliance on goals from Haaland, who has scored 19 goals. Meanwhile, Foden comes in second with seven goals, but he has been moved from his forward position (No. 10), where he often scored from long distances.
City’s acquisition of Semenyo’s services contributes to returning Foden to the areas where Guardiola believes the player is most dangerous.
Semenyo offers the additional advantage of bringing goals himself when starting as a winger. After scoring eight league goals this season, he has been outperformed by only two other players: Igor Thiago and Haaland.
If City wants to overtake Arsenal and win the league, acquiring goalscorers behind Haaland would be a smart move.
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