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Tom Hamilton
Do you recall the January transfer window of 2019? Brighton & Hove Albion secured the services of midfielder Alexis Mac Allister for £6.5 million, while Peter Crouch made his way to Burnley. Meanwhile, Liverpool transferred striker Dominic Solanke to Bournemouth for £19 million. However, Bristol City’s technical director, Brian Tinnion, reflects on a missed opportunity.
Chelsea, under the management of Maurizio Sarri, made a £57 million investment to acquire USMNT talent Christian Pulisic, loaning him back to Borussia Dortmund. Simultaneously, they looked at wingers from Bristol City, offering £1 million for a then-19-year-old Antoine Semenyo, but Bristol City sought a higher price. “The potential was too great to even consider a lower offer,” Tinnion shared with ESPN.
Fast forward seven years, and Semenyo is back in the headlines following Manchester City’s acquisition of the Bournemouth winger for £65 million (£62.5 million upfront and £1.5 million in add-ons, plus 10% of his next transfer) on Thursday, activating his release clause just before it expired.
The days of Premier League clubs negotiating minor transfer fees for him are long gone; Semenyo has emerged as a prominent player. Those who have witnessed his journey—from a disenchanted youth facing rejections at various academies to his current success—understand that this is not a tale of luck, but rather a saga of resilience, dedication, and sheer determination.
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‘When he struck the ball, it stayed struck’
Semenyo’s journey to Etihad Stadium began in the West Country. After unsuccessful stints at Fulham and Crystal Palace, he stepped away from football to explore basketball. However, at 16, he was lured back to the sport during a trial at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, where Dave Hockaday, then scouting for South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS), noticed his potential. Hockaday, impressed with his midfield play, suggested a transition to forward.
Tinnion, back in 2017 serving as head of recruitment for Bristol City, frequently attended SGS matches and immediately took notice of Semenyo. “He caught our eye instantly,” he noted. “You could see his pace and incredible shot power, yet there was significant development needed—perfect for us.”
Semenyo was loaned to Bath City in the 2017-18 season, marking his presence with a memorable hat trick against Welton Rovers in the Somerset Premier Cup quarterfinal—a performance that has since resurfaced on social media.
Four years ago, Antoine Semenyo was playing for Bath City in a Somerset Cup quarter-final against Welton Rovers.
Today, the 22-year-old is on the bench for Ghana at a #FIFAWorldCup 🇬🇭#BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup https://t.co/E28BBEYBzh
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 24, 2022
You can observe his potential in that first goal, where he timed his run perfectly to meet a through ball from Andy Watkins, elegantly maneuvered over the uneven pitch, and slotted the shot into the near corner, eluding a late challenge. Only 19 fans were present that day, and he celebrated in front of the lone photographer.
Jerry Gill, then-Bath City manager, remarked on that goal: “He was quite lean back then, but unafraid to take on bigger defenders. While he had the physical tools, his technical skills have greatly improved. Every time he struck, the ball had a purpose.”
In the following season, 2018-19, Semenyo was loaned to League Two’s Newport County. “I recall a televised FA Cup match against Leicester, where he truly showcased his ability,” Tinnion said. “Word began to spread about him, leading to Chelsea’s interest.”
During the first half of the 2019-20 season, Semenyo joined Sunderland on loan. Tinnion noted he had some challenges there but returned to Bristol City, working diligently and impressing during the 2020-21 season. Just four years after his hat-trick against ninth-tier opponents, Semenyo featured for Ghana at the 2022 World Cup, even taking the field against Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Portugal.
“Upon returning from that tournament, he had an exceptional run right before the January move, netting four goals in four matches,” Tinnion said, emphasizing how Semenyo had arrived on the scene. A year later, Bournemouth acquired him for £10.5 million as a backup for Solanke.
Although he played as a midfielder during his youth and shifted to striker at Bristol City, he ultimately found his place on the wings. When Solanke faced an injury in the 2023-24 season, Semenyo discussed the possibility of returning to a central role with Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, but training proved difficult, reinforcing his position on the wing. “I joined Bournemouth intending to play as a striker, but playing wide allowed me to engage more effectively with the ball,” he explained. “It became clear to me that I am now a wide player.”
He adapted to Bournemouth’s attacking style, which emphasizes one-on-one confrontations, and Semenyo thrived, contributing 11 goals and assists in the 2023-24 season, and 20 the following year. “His finishing has dramatically improved,” Tinnion commented. “He used to strike the ball wildly; now he demonstrates precision, placing the ball calmly into the corners with both feet.
At the start of the 2025-26 season, Semenyo outlined his goals in his journal. After signing a new contract with Bournemouth, where he expressed appreciation for the club’s support and viewed it as “God’s work,” he aimed for double-digit goals and assists while refining his decision-making process. He actively seeks angles through defenders by observing the goalkeeper’s positioning. As of Thursday, he has already registered 13 goal contributions this season.
What Semenyo Brings to Manchester City
By Tor-Kristian Karlsen
0:55
What will Antoine Semenyo bring to Manchester City?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens discuss the potential impact of Antoine Semenyo’s transfer to Manchester City.
Semenyo has become one of the most challenging opponents for defenders in the league, known for his ability to break through defenses with a diverse set of skills. Under Iraola’s management, he has the versatility to play across the front line without a drop in performance—though he often shines when starting from the left and cutting inside onto his right foot.
His most significant attribute is arguably his ball-carrying ability; with explosive acceleration over short distances and quick top-speed capability, Semenyo tends to opt for impactful, direct plays as soon as he finds space rather than taking a cautious approach.
As more of a momentum-based forward who can change the dynamics of a game through sudden bursts of speed, Semenyo isn’t typically a high-volume goal scorer. Nonetheless, his current trend is promising—achieving 10 league goals in 20 appearances once again. The data indicates he’s an efficient finisher; his expected goals tally (6.7) aligns with a productive presence during matches, leading to clean right-footed shots and active participation in creating chances.
Although he averages a reasonable number of dribbles (4.1 take-ons per 90 minutes), Semenyo’s off-ball movements also enhance his effectiveness. His adept timing in “third-player runs” and relentless sprints beyond the ball contribute significantly to Bournemouth’s direct approach, often providing a secondary wave in transition that is tough to counter, while stretching opponents’ defensive lines to create opportunities for teammates.
Semenyo’s defensive contributions shouldn’t be overlooked; he actively engages in duels. Even when he’s not dominating the offensive rhythm, his commitment to pressing and regaining possession remains evident.
While he can adapt to systems that favor possession, he thrives in fast-paced, open matches, where his physicality and direct approach become valuable assets.
‘Real enthusiasm and energy’
Those who have worked with Semenyo praise his humility, dedication, and desire to make a positive impact in football. Last August, he reported an incident of racial abuse during a match against Liverpool (the accused has denied the claim, and a trial is expected in April). In November, he formed a bond with a young Bournemouth supporter named Mylo, who experienced racial abuse at school, vowing to support one another.
Gill, former assistant manager at Yeovil, still keeps in touch with Semenyo. “He’s reached out to me about a player he knows seeking an opportunity,” Gill stated. “He’s mentioned his unfortunate luck with injuries, which is the usual narrative you hear from players.
“He continually invites me and my family to watch him play. He remains a very grounded young man.”
Jerry Gill (right) was the manager of Bath City when Antoine Semenyo played there in 2018. Photo credit: Simon Howe/Bath City FC.
Throughout his journey, numerous clubs have kept an eye on him. One expert noted that Semenyo hasn’t yet reached his full potential, drawing comparisons to Bayern Munich‘s Michael Olise as an example of how a player can improve significantly. There’s optimism that Semenyo might similarly thrive at Manchester City; although he may need time to adapt to a new style after being ingrained in Bournemouth’s system, the potential for growth is significant.
This talent, combined with his character, has motivated City to pay the transfer fee, much to the sadness of Bournemouth. “It’s well-known that he’s a key player for us,” Iraola expressed in late December.
When he finally steps onto the pitch for Manchester City, many figures who have followed his ascent will be eagerly watching. From the Somerset Premier Cup to playing under Pep Guardiola, it’s been a remarkable journey.
“He’s put in the hard work,” Gill stated. “His professionalism, how he conducts himself, and his training ethic are exceptional, and he possesses this infectious enthusiasm for the game. … He truly deserves every success that comes his way.”