Man City didn't buy Antoine Semenyo because of the hype. They saw in the Ghanaian striker a tactical fit for Pep Guardiola at a time when the team needed more speed, strength, and directness.
With Antoine Semenyo, Man City believe they have found the answer.
When Pep Guardiola is interested in an attacking player, the first question is never "how many goals will he score?", but rather "what problem will he solve for the system?". With Antoine Semenyo, Man City believe they have found the answer.
What is Man City lacking?
This season, Manchester City's decline isn't due to a lack of possession. Their problem lies in their finishing ability. When opponents sit deep, Manchester City control the game but lack the sheer power to break through defenses.
Jeremy Doku has speed, but lacks consistency. Jack Grealish is good at ball control, but not the type of player who finishes quickly. Julian Alvarez is versatile, but not strong in physical duels. City needs a player who can run, engage in tackles, and finish directly.
Semenyo fulfills all three conditions.
At AFC Bournemouth, Semenyo didn't play as a classic "number 9". He played on the right, left, or even dropped deep to stretch the defense. But his greatest strength was his ability to accelerate in tight spaces.
Semenyo knows the Premier League very well.
Semenyo doesn't need many touches. He receives the ball, accelerates, and drives straight into the center. That's something Pep really liked in players like Leroy Sané or Sterling in their prime. In a system that already controls the tempo, City needs a disruptive force to break the tempo.
Semenyo is also strong in one-on-one duels. He has won more 1v1s than most wingers in the Premier League this season. This helps City create localized advantages, a core tactical principle of Pep.
Fits Manchester City's control structure.
A common misconception is that Semenyo is only suited for counter-attacks. In reality, he's not the type of player who "runs without thinking." Semenyo knows how to maintain his position, how to drop back to create passing triangles, and, most importantly, he knows when to run straight into the penalty area.
In Pep's system, wingers not only dribble but also attack the far post, exploiting the space created by Haaland or De Bruyne. Semenyo did this very well at Bournemouth, where he frequently appeared at the right moment in the penalty area.
Semenyo is in great form this season.
Semenyo's brace after being subjected to racist abuse is more than just an emotional story. For Pep, it's a psychological indicator. City doesn't lack good players, but they always prioritize those who can handle immense pressure on the big stage.
Pep once said, "Talent helps you play football, personality helps you win matches." Semenyo shows he has both.
72 million euros isn't cheap. But City aren't buying for the "present," they're buying tactical versatility for 3-4 seasons. Semenyo can play on the wing, as a wide forward, or even as a second striker when Pep needs to break up the team's structure.
In the context of a packed schedule, injuries, and the need for intense rotation, a player like Semenyo helps Pep avoid changing the system, only changing the personnel.
Semenyo isn't a sensational signing meant to shock the media. He's a tactical solution. If the deal goes through, it will signal that Pep is preparing for a more pragmatic, direct City, but still true to his philosophy of possession.
That's not a step backward. That's evolution.