‘Always hungry, all the time courageous’ – Why Man City Need Semenyo

Introduction

Every January transfer window brings a defining saga, a player whose future dominates headlines. For the winter of 2025, that player appears to be Antoine Semenyo. As Manchester City navigates a complex season, reports suggest they are in advanced talks to sign the 25-year-old Bournemouth forward. While the Premier League champions already possess a wealth of attacking talent, the potential acquisition of Semenyo signals a specific tactical evolution under Pep Guardiola. This article explores the driving forces behind this potential move, analyzing why City needs the “always hungry, all the time courageous” forward and what he brings to the Etihad Stadium.

Key Points

The Deal: Manchester City is reportedly targeting a £65 million move for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.
The Rivalry: Top clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Chelsea have all shown interest.
Guardiola’s Interest: Pep Guardiola has publicly praised Semenyo’s “incredible” movement and relentless work rate.
Tactical Fit: Semenyo offers a unique profile: two-footed, direct running, and high goal involvement, fitting City’s shift toward transition-based attacks.
Statistical Impact: Since April, only Erling Haaland and Morgan Rogers have been involved in more Premier League goals than Semenyo.
Bournemouth’s Stance: The Cherries are keen to retain him, relying on his contributions to avoid a relegation scrap.

Background

A Journey of Resilience

Antoine Semenyo’s path to the verge of a £65 million move to Manchester City is a testament to resilience. Born in London, the 25-year-old endured a difficult youth career, facing rejection from Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Millwall. His journey led him to a West Country academy run by Dave Hockaday, eventually landing at Bristol City in 2017.

Success did not come immediately. Semenyo required loan spells at Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland to develop his game before breaking into Bristol City’s first team in the 2020-21 season. His persistence paid off with a £10 million transfer to Bournemouth in January 2023. Since arriving at the Vitality Stadium, he has steadily improved, becoming one of the most consistent wingers in the league.

International Pedigree

Through his father’s heritage, Semenyo represents Ghana at the international level. This connection has played a role in his development, though it offers a distinct advantage for Manchester City: unlike many African players, Semenyo will not be departing for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the near future, as Ghana failed to qualify. This availability makes him an even more attractive target for a City side looking to maintain momentum across all competitions.

Analysis

Why Manchester City Needs Semenyo Now

At first glance, spending £65 million on a winger when Manchester City already boasts Jeremy Doku, Savinho, and Phil Foden might seem redundant. However, a deeper look at the statistics and City’s current tactical landscape reveals why this move makes sense.

Pep Guardiola’s side has evolved this season. There has been a noticeable shift toward attacking in transition, utilizing speed over large distances. According to tactical analysts, City has scored from more fast breaks this season than in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons combined. Semenyo is the prototype for this style.

The “Two-Footed” Advantage

Semenyo is “consummately two-footed,” a trait that adds a new dimension to City’s attack. According to data, only Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer have attempted more shots than Semenyo among similar players. Furthermore, his total of 69 successful dribbles ranks third in the Premier League.

Former England goalkeeper Rob Green noted that Semenyo offers something different to City’s current options. “He can drive forward with the ball vertically, rather than Doku, who comes in and out,” Green explained. This directness is crucial when facing teams that sit deep or attempt to press high.

Statistical Output: The “Haaland Effect”

While Semenyo’s underlying creative numbers (chances created) might be lower than some peers, his output in terms of goals and direct assists is elite. Since the start of April, he has been directly involved in 16 Premier League goals (scoring 12 and assisting 4). This places him third only to Erling Haaland and Morgan Rogers in that timeframe.

Crucially, Semenyo has overperformed his Expected Goals (xG) tally more than any player except West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen. This suggests he is a clinical finisher who creates his own chances—a vital trait for a team looking to diversify its scoring beyond Haaland.

Guardiola’s Verdict

Pep Guardiola is clearly an admirer. Following Bournemouth’s 3-1 loss to City in November, the Spanish manager lauded Semenyo, stating: “He’s an odd, odd, odd player. His power, his confidence, his movement – incredible. He doesn’t stop running, he attacks space so well, and when he has the ball, you feel something will happen. He’s improving every game. Players like him make this league special – always hungry, always courageous.”

Practical Advice

For Manchester City: Addressing the Squad Depth

If the transfer goes through, Manchester City faces a practical squad management challenge. The arrival of Semenyo could signal the end of the road for one of the current wingers. Savinho has yet to score in 13 Premier League appearances, and Oscar Bobb is currently sidelined with injury but faces a crowded field upon return. Tottenham showed interest in Savinho during the summer; a renewed move for the Brazilian could balance the books and pave the way for Semenyo.

For Bournemouth: The Reality of the Market

Bournemouth finds itself in a difficult position. Despite a seven-match winless run, they remain closer to the top four than the bottom three points-wise. However, retaining a player valued at £65 million is challenging. The club must weigh the financial windfall against the risk of relegation. As former striker Sam Vokes suggested, the current project at Bournemouth—including new facilities and a potential new stadium—is appealing, but the pull of a club like City is immense.

For Semenyo: The Step Up

For the player, the move represents a massive step in his career trajectory. Moving from a mid-table side to a title contender requires a mental and physical adjustment. However, Semenyo’s history of overcoming rejection suggests he possesses the mental fortitude required. His lack of AFCON duty is a massive “practical” advantage for his career progression at City, ensuring he remains available during crucial winter months.

FAQ

How much is Antoine Semenyo’s release clause?

Reports indicate that Antoine Semenyo has a release clause of £65 million in his Bournemouth contract, which reportedly expires on January 10.

Why does Pep Guardiola like Semenyo?

Pep Guardiola values Semenyo’s relentless work rate, vertical running style, and two-footedness. Guardiola specifically praised his courage and hunger, noting that he attacks space effectively and creates “something” whenever he has the ball.

Is Semenyo better than Doku or Savinho?

Semenyo offers a different profile. While he may create fewer chances per 90 minutes than Jeremy Doku, his goal involvement per game is currently higher than Doku, Savinho, and Phil Foden. He is statistically more clinical in front of goal.

Will Semenyo play for Ghana at AFCON?

No. Ghana failed to qualify for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, meaning Semenyo will be available for Manchester City throughout the season without international duty interruptions.

Has Semenyo played for Manchester City before?

No, Semenyo has never played for Manchester City. He was rejected by Arsenal and Tottenham as a teenager before starting his professional career with Bristol City.

Conclusion

The potential signing of Antoine Semenyo by Manchester City is not just a transfer; it is a strategic move to address specific tactical needs. In a season where City is chasing Arsenal on multiple fronts, Semenyo offers a blend of directness, durability, and goal-scoring prowess that complements Erling Haaland. While the £65 million price tag is substantial, the “always hungry, all the time courageous” mentality that Guardiola admires might be exactly what the champions need to regain their dominance. As the January window approaches, this saga will undoubtedly be the one to watch.