Manchester City: Antoine Semenyo sets his sights high for his first full season

After a promising half-season at Manchester City, Antoine Semenyo is gearing up for his first full campaign in Citizens colors. Signed last January from Bournemouth for £62.5 million, the 26-year-old Ghana international is already setting high ambitions and is thrilled to work under new manager Enzo Maresca.

In an interview with The Athletic, the winger didn't hide his excitement.

"From day one, he’s shared his ideas with us. I’ve had individual meetings with him about how he wants me to play. His concepts are excellent, quite similar to Pep’s. If you watched our match against Inter, you already got a glimpse of them."

An attacking freedom that excites the Ghanaian

Semenyo believes Enzo Maresca’s playing style fits his strengths perfectly. The former Chelsea boss wants to use wingers who can make a difference one-on-one—a role that particularly appeals to the Ghanaian.

"When we played Chelsea, Maresca's wingers always stayed very high and wide. That was one of the things that excited me most when he was appointed. I’ll find myself in one-on-one situations for much of the match and I can’t wait for that."

The player also explains that, unlike Pep Guardiola, who sometimes asked him to tuck inside depending on the opposition, Maresca mainly wants to see him stay out wide to constantly create danger.

A seamless adaptation to Manchester City

Arriving during the winter transfer window, Semenyo quickly found his place within the Manchester City squad. In just a few months, he scored 11 goals, including the winner in the FA Cup final.

The Ghana international also acknowledges the crucial influence Pep Guardiola had on his development.

"When I arrived, I wanted to do everything at full speed. Pep kept telling me to stay calm, that we’d always have a chance to create a one-on-one. He taught me patience and that helped me a lot. He promised he’d make me a better player, and he kept his word."

The 2025-2026 season confirms his status

Before his transfer, Semenyo was already shining at Bournemouth. Combining his performances with the Cherries and those at Manchester City, he finished the 2025-2026 campaign with 24 goals and 11 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions. An outstanding campaign that cemented his status as one of the Premier League’s top-performing wingers.

His performances had attracted several major European clubs, but it was Manchester City who ultimately secured his signature.

Ready for the next step

Trained at Bristol City before several loan spells—including at Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland—Semenyo made his Premier League breakthrough with Bournemouth before joining the European elite at Manchester City.

As the new season approaches, his determination remains undimmed.

"During the holidays, I had time to reflect on everything that’s happened. Scoring the winner in the FA Cup final was a dream come true. Now it’s time to get back to work and try to win even more trophies."

With Enzo Maresca at the helm, Antoine Semenyo now hopes to build on his excellent adaptation and become one of Manchester City’s key men in their Premier League and European ambitions.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

Related teams and leagues

Manchester City