By Martin Graham
Antoine Semenyo he has wasted little time making his mark Manchester Cityquickly justifying the £62.5 million invested in bringing it Bournemouth.
The Ghana international announced himself with a goal and an assist in his first FA Cup third round outing, although the opposition were League One side Exeter City in a one-sided 10-1 victory.
He continued to hit him again Newcastle Unitedwho opened the scoring at St. James’ Park as City dominated their Carabao Cup semi-final against the current holders.
Another effort later found the net but was ruled out after a lengthy VAR review, before City ran out 2-0 winners to underline their control of the tie.
Semenyo is now set for another historic moment should he feature in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, which would mark his first Premier League appearance for his new club.
The city attack reshaped by a new threat
Manchester City have been heavily backed Erling Haaland for goals this campaign, with the striker producing 39 goals in club and international football.
However, the Norwegian has endured a quieter spell of late, registering just once in six games and not scoring since before Christmas.
Operating primarily from the right flank, Semenyo arrives with a proven goalscoring record, having hit double figures in the league with Bournemouth and sitting among the division’s leading marksmen prior to his move.
His presence gives Haaland some much-needed extra supply and support, easing the onus on the centre-forward after Semenyo’s 32-goal return during his time on the south coast.
Pep Guardiola also gains more flexibility, with the new signing able to fill multiple roles in the forward line thanks to his pace, strength and direct approach.
City players have highlighted his personality as well as his ability, noting how he has fitted in seamlessly with a squad fueled by confidence and ambition.
Mixed emotions on the south coast
For Bournemouth, parting ways with another top performer is a tough pill to swallow, especially after losing several key figures since the end of last season.
However, the deal represents a significant financial success, generating a substantial return on a player signed for £10m just three years earlier.
The club’s recent sales have generated around £250m since the summer, giving head coach Andoni Iraola considerable resources to reshape his squad.
While the exit weakens the current group, it also provides room to strengthen multiple areas and plan for the future.
Balancing sporting ambition with financial growth remains the challenge as Bournemouth adapt to life without another influential striker.
Rivals and colleagues feeling the squeeze
Manchester United emerge as the clear losers, having been heavily linked with Semenyo before losing out to their local rivals.
Their situation has been further complicated by the sacking of head coach Ruben Amorim, with Michael Carrick stepping in on an interim basis.
Carrick’s first assignment comes against City, where Semenyo could have red-shirted, but he returns to Old Trafford as an away threat.
Elsewhere, Arsenal’s title charge may face further pressure, with one of their nearest rivals bolstering an already formidable squad.
Within City’s ranks, competition at right-back has intensified, potentially pushing others closer to the exit as minutes become harder to come by.
Oscar Bobb and Savinho now face uncertain futures, with injuries and limited performance leaving them vulnerable as Guardiola weighs up his attacking options.
