Guardiola’s promise drives Semenyo’s City gamble at Etihad

Manchester City secured Ghana international forward Antoine Semenyo for £65 million in January, a move the club justified by his 21‑goal season and the promise from Pep Guardiola to make him a better player. The striker arrived as City looked to bolster attacking options after a trophy‑laden campaign.

The Ghana international completed a £65 million move from Bournemouth in January. He had attracted interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.Speaking during City's pre‑season tour in Hong Kong, the transfer underscored City’s ambition to add a proven Premier League forward.

Speaking at the Etihad Stadium."I think for me, I just wanted the next step to be the big one and Manchester City was the option," Semenyo said. He added that Pep Guardiola told him, “Look, when you come, I am going to make you a better player,” a promise that convinced him to join the champions.

Semenyo believes Guardiola fulfilled that pledge during their first five months together. He noted the Spaniard’s departure earlier this summer left a void, but the forward felt his development had already been accelerated.

The striker also paid tribute to former club Bournemouth for shaping his career. He said, “I owe them everything… they helped my Premier League career flourish, and the management and staff behind the scenes were amazing.”

In his debut season, Semenyo scored 21 goals for club and country. His contributions helped Manchester City lift both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.

Looking ahead, Semenyo will aim to build on that success under new manager Enzo Maresca. The forward’s ambition aligns with City’s continued pursuit of domestic and European silverware.