Guardiola's £60m Semenyo gamble already paying off at City
Antoine Semenyo's explosive start at Manchester City has former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola convinced Pep Guardiola will 'get sparks' from the Ghanaian forward.
City’s winter window splash already looking like a shrewd bit of business as Semenyo hits the ground running in Manchester.
Instant impact at the Etihad
When City splashed out £60 million on Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo this January, a few eyebrows were raised around the Premier League. Was the 24-year-old Ghanaian international really worth breaking the bank for?
Well, the doubters are already being silenced. The forward has notched an impressive three goals and an assist in just four appearances for the Sky Blues. Talk about hitting the ground running, mate!
- Scored and assisted in the 10-1 demolition of Exeter in the FA Cup
- Found the net in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Newcastle
- Added another in the 2-0 Premier League win over Wolves
Interestingly, City felt his absence when they suffered that surprise 3-1 defeat to Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League - a competition he’s not yet registered for.
Pep’s new attacking weapon
Guardiola has been quick to praise his new signing, highlighting the “incredible energy” Semenyo has brought to the squad. The boss was particularly impressed with his finish against Wolves, noting the perfect control before finding the net.
The numbers back up the eye test too. In his two Premier League appearances so far, Semenyo leads all City players in shots (both total and on target) and crosses from open play, while ranking second in attempted dribbles.
”Not expensive at all”
Former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola believes City have got themselves a proper bargain. Speaking to MARCA, he insisted: “For me, he wasn’t expensive, not expensive at all.”
Iraola revealed how they converted Semenyo from a central striker to a wide forward, praising his ability to play equally well on either flank - a trait that will surely delight Guardiola’s tactical brain.
“Knowing Pep, he’ll get sparks from him, for sure,” Iraola predicted.
From Bristol to the big time
The Cherries signed Semenyo from Bristol City for just £8.5 million in 2023, representing a tidy profit when they sold him on to City this winter.
Bournemouth’s President of Operations Tiago Pinto even suggested they could have commanded an even higher fee if not for a release clause: “For me, from what I see in the Premier League, it’s not great business on my part - I think we could have sold for more.”
With his two-footed ability, physical attributes and eye for goal, Semenyo looks the real deal. If his early performances are anything to go by, City might have found themselves another diamond - and that’s no porky pie.