Manchester City are on the verge of completing one of January’s most significant signings, with Antoine Semenyo’s move from Bournemouth expected to be finalised within the next 48-72 hours. Personal terms have been agreed, and City’s determination to secure the Ghanaian international reflects how seriously they’re taking their title challenge and the need to add a Tdifferent dimension to their attack.
What makes this deal particularly intriguing is the timing. Oscar Bobb’s potential departure to Borussia Dortmund, a move gaining traction as the Norwegian struggles to recapture the form he showed 18 months ago before his devastating ankle injury, creates space for Semenyo’s arrival, both financially and in terms of squad dynamics. Bobb’s inability to spark performances like he once did has made the decision easier, though it’s tinged with sadness, given his academy pedigree.
Why Semenyo Makes Perfect Sense
Semenyo offers something City desperately lack: a genuine attacking threat with physical presence and defensive work rate. His conversion rate is exceptional, his two-footedness mirrors Cherki’s versatility in operating across both flanks, but it’s his unique attributes that make him perfect for Guardiola’s evolving system.
At 6’1″, Semenyo would become City’s tallest attacking option after Haaland; a seemingly minor detail that carries enormous tactical significance. Donnarumma’s long balls and conventional goal kicks suddenly gain another viable target, adding unpredictability to City’s buildup. His aerial strength isn’t just about attacking headers; it’s about defending set pieces, an area where City have always looked vulnerable.
This speaks to Guardiola’s tactical evolution. The manager is no longer limiting himself to purely technical players. He’s realised that surviving the Premier League’s physical battles requires physicality, particularly in attacking areas. None of City’s current wide options: Doku, Savinho, Cherki- offer the defensive robustness or aerial presence that English football’s intensity demands. Only Haaland provides that physical structure, and relying on one player leaves City predictable.
Semenyo’s defensive output at Bournemouth has been remarkable, pressing aggressively, tracking back diligently, and winning duels consistently. That work rate transforms him from a luxury signing into a tactical necessity. When City defends corners or transitions from attack to defence, having another physically imposing player who genuinely competes makes Guardiola’s system more robust.
His versatility across both flanks increases City’s tactical unpredictability. Opponents won’t know whether he’ll start left or right, whether he’ll drift inside or attack the byline, or whether he’ll be the target for crosses or the creator delivering them. That uncertainty is gold for Guardiola.
The Bigger Picture
The right-back situation has shifted dramatically. Matheus Nunes’ impressive performances have convinced Guardiola and City’s hierarchy to deprioritise that position. The club wanted Tino Livramento from Newcastle, but the Magpies’ stern £85 million valuation made it unrealistic. Giving Nunes a full season to prove his form is sustainable makes tactical and financial sense.
Instead, City are reportedly exploring backup options for Tijjani Reijnders, who’s slowly adapting to the Premier League’s pace and physicality. That suggests Guardiola remains concerned about midfield depth, particularly with Rodri’s fitness uncertain.
The outgoing list is substantial: Nathan Aké, John Stones, Stefan Ortega, and James Trafford are potentially departing, with Mateo Kovačić and possibly Bernardo Silva (whose contract expires this summer) also candidates for exits. Oscar Bobb’s likely move makes it seven potential departures.
That volume of outgoings almost guarantees another incoming signing beyond Semenyo. Whether that’s the Reijnders backup, a defensive reinforcement, or an opportunistic signing remains unclear. What’s certain is that City are reshaping their squad fundamentally, prioritising physicality and versatility alongside their traditional technical excellence.
Semenyo’s arrival represents more than just adding goals and assists. It’s Guardiola acknowledging that winning the Premier League requires adaptation, not abandoning his philosophy, but augmenting it with attributes that make City harder to play against physically. If completed in the next 72 hours, this signing could define City’s season and signal a new era in Guardiola’s tactical thinking.
This was just my analysis. What do you think of Man City and their transfer market? Do let us know your opinions on our socials.
