Manchester City have completed their first signing of the January transfer market by luring Antoine Semenyo away from Bournemouth in a deal worth £65 million. The Ghana international is set to wear the No.42 shirt – and he's explained the inspiration behind his unique shirt number.
From quitting football at the age of 15 after Crystal Palace turned him down to being signed by one of the most successful clubs in the country, the 26-year-old's career trajectory has been a joy to watch. And, because of that, he had no shortage of suitors this winter.
It was only three years ago, back in January 2023, when he was picked up by Bournemouth, moving from Bristol City in a deal worth £10.5 million; but he's come on leaps and bounds ever since, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous players in England's top flight.
The Reason Behind Semenyo's Unusual Number Explained
Typically a right-winger, you'd expect Semenyo – whose versatility allows him to play on the left or through the middle, too – to pick up a number befitting his position. Wide men usually wear 7 or 11, but that isn't the case for Semenyo, who has now officially made the move to the Etihad Stadium.
The London-born man has been pictured in his new City strip ahead of him potentially making his debut against Exeter City in the FA Cup on Saturday and fans have been slightly bewildered by the fact he's chosen to don the No.42, a number synonymous with Yaya Toure.
On the south coast, the 32-cap Ghana international wore the No.24, but that isn't available (currently held by Josko Gvardiol) and that means Semenyo, who has scored ten goals in 20 Premier League appearances this season, has insisted that he is returning to the number he wore at Bristol City.
“It was my first number I got at Bristol City when I first signed. It’s always stuck me. I was either 42 or 24 – 24 wasn’t available so I went back to my first number. That’s the inspiration behind it.”
It's not the most typical number worn by a player of any position, in truth, and that's evidenced by the fact that only three players in City's entire history have worn it. First by Glenn Whelan in the 2003/04 season, it was later worn by Bradley Wright-Phillips – son of the legendary Ian Wright – between 2004/05 and 2005/06.
However, Toure (as mentioned) is the man that springs to mind when City fans think of a player donning the No.42 shirt. The all-action midfielder, who plundered 80 goals and a further 45 assists in his 316-match Etihad Stadium career, has set the standard high – but will Semenyo, who began his career at Bath City, be able to replicate the same level of influence that Toure had on proceedings?
Semenyo's New Wage Revealed as he Speaks Out
semenyo bournemouth
Following Semenyo's arrival, there are concerns over what that means for the futures of Savinho and Oscar Bobb, given the increased competition for places on the right flank. In terms of Semenyo, personal terms were understood to have been agreed before the turn of the year – and it was then just about both clubs being able to strike a deal.
Said deal has now been struck and a report from The Guardian indicates that he'll be earning a basic salary of around the £150,000-per-week mark (plus incentives) across a five-year contract.
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Semenyo has expressed his excitement about joining City by saying: “I am so proud to have joined Manchester City. I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League as well as achieving amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
“They have set the highest of standards and it’s a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep. I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It's a real privilege to be here."
“My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that. And City are in a great position – still involved in four competitions. I really feel I can help them have a strong second half of the season," he continued. "The Etihad is my new home. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans here and I hope to show everyone what I can do.”
Semenyo's 2025/26 Premier League Stats vs Doku, Foden and Cherki
Statistic
Appearances
Minutes
Goals
Assists
Shots per Game
Key Passes per Game
Dribbles per Game
Overall Rating
All statistics per WhoScored – correct as of 09/01/2026