Celta Vigo’s Ionuț Radu knew Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo was set for a bright future on his first day at AFC Bournemouth.
The goalkeeper has been speaking to AS on various topics including his temporary spell at Bournemouth. He trained and played alongside the winger, who left the Liberty Stadium for Manchester City in the winter market.
Semenyo joined Bournemouth in January 2023 and managed 32 goals and 11 assists from 110 matches. This includes 11 goals and nine assists in the Premier League in his last 18 months for the Cherries.
His development at Bournemouth attracted interest from several Premier League clubs. Pep Guardiola’s side were successful in winning the battle in for the 26-year-old Ghana international’s signature.
Semenyo impressed Radu immediately
The 28-year-old Romania international joined Bournemouth on loan from Inter Milan during the 2023/24 season. He struggled with the Cherries and didn’t find peace with the Premier League side.
The Serie A side sent him on loan to several clubs before terminating his contract in January 2025. Radu joined Venezia on a short-term contract during the second half of last season and left them for the La Liga side on a free transfer in June 2025.
Radu says he’s now enjoying life at Celta Vigo after struggling during multiple loan spells.
“Before arriving here, I was stressed because I was always joining teams on loan from Inter. Loans are very detrimental; you can’t have continuity. Here, I’ve found my place, peace of mind, and I’m very happy. It’s the best experience I’ve ever had,” he said.
Manchester City face Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League in a two-legged tie later this month.
AS wanted to know the stopper’s take on the potential threat that Semenyo could pose to Los Blancos. When responding to that, he talked about backing him for success instantly.
“On my first day in Bournemouth, I told my family that he was the best player I had ever seen. I also told them that he was going to be the biggest sale the club would ever make, and that happened this year,” Radu explained.
“He’s an incredible player. He has a lot of strength, technique… he has everything. He’s very good, and I respect him a lot.”
Instant impact at Manchester City
The Citizens reportedly paid around £62.5m plus £1.5m bonuses to Bournemouth to bring the attacker to the Etihad.
Their decision paid off as Semenyo is already starring under Guardiola’s orders. To put it in context, he managed seven goals and two assists from 12 matches for Manchester City. That’s a goal involvement every 107.44 minutes for the Etihad club.