Antoine Semenyo could make his Manchester City debut against Exeter in the FA Cup after completing his £62.5m move from Bournemouth
Simon Bajkowski
14:32, 09 Jan 2026
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth celebrates after he scores a goal to make it 3-2 during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on January 07, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth celebrates after he scores a goal to make it 3-2 during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on January 07, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)(Image: AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola is set to include Antoine Semenyo in the Manchester City squad for their FA Cup clash with Exeter City.
The 25 year old, who netted the winning goal for Bournemouth on Wednesday evening, could feature for his new club before the week concludes.
Semenyo finalised his £62.5m transfer to the Etihad on Friday morning and is eligible to play in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup fixtures. Guardiola is expected to rotate his squad for Exeter's visit, though he will also be mindful of his new recruit's condition, given that Semenyo has just competed in four matches over 12 days for the Cherries.
The City boss confirmed Semenyo's availability for the FA Cup tie as the Blues seek to return to winning form following three successive Premier League draws. "He will be selected. I don't know if he will start but he will be selected because we don't have many players."
Guardiola revealed that City have monitored Semenyo for several years and expressed his delight that the player opted to join them despite fierce competition for his services. Whilst there is optimism that Semenyo can provide an immediate lift to a fatigued squad, the winger has been assured there is no rush to make an impact.
"We followed him for a long time and in the end with the situation we have up front with the wingers- we have three specific players in Oscar, Savinho and Jeremy - we need to reinforce for the next years and that's why the club made the gesture and effort to take him," Guardiola explained.
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"He is the perfect age at 25 with the best years to come. The club likes to try to bring young players to make his career with his best years here. Everybody knows the qualities. They are extraordinary at Bournemouth and he can play on both sides - right and left.", as reports the Manchester Evening News.
"He can play as a striker as well with his pace. He knows the Premier League. Many clubs wanted him and he decided to join us so all I can say is thanks to him. We are very pleased for the next years."