Ghana international Antoine Semenyo says Pep Guardiola’s belief that he could improve as a player was the decisive reason he chose Manchester City over a host of leading Premier League clubs.
Semenyo completed a £65 million move from Bournemouth to the Premier League champions during the January transfer window, despite attracting interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
The 26-year-old forward revealed that discussions with Manchester City started in early December. He eventually made his decision to join the club the following month, with Guardiola’s plans for his development proving central to the transfer.
“Guardiola told me he would make me better” – Antoine Semenyo explains why he chose Man City
The Ghana international also acknowledged the important role Bournemouth played in shaping his career in English football before his move to the Etihad outfit.
Semenyo joined Manchester City after producing the most prolific season of his career. He scored 21 goals for club and country before completing his high-profile transfer, underlining the form that had made him one of the most sought-after forwards in the Premier League.
He made an immediate impression after arriving in Manchester. Semenyo scored in City’s FA Cup final victory over Chelsea and helped the club win both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup during the second half of the campaign.
His performances also offered an early indication of how effectively he could adapt to his new surroundings. Reflecting on Guardiola’s influence, Semenyo said the Spanish coach delivered on his promise to help him take his game to a higher level.
That relationship has since changed, with Semenyo now working under new head coach Enzo Maresca. However, the forward has continued to show positive signs as Manchester City prepare for the 2026/27 campaign.
He provided an assist in City’s pre-season meeting with Inter Milan in Hong Kong, offering further encouragement ahead of the new season.
Semenyo has made 27 appearances for Manchester City since joining in January. His rapid integration has seen him establish himself as an important member of the squad after only half a season at the club.
The Ghana forward will now look to build on a productive debut spell with the Premier League champions, having already contributed to domestic cup success and demonstrated the attacking qualities that persuaded Manchester City to invest £65 million in him.
His move came after a period in which his goalscoring form had attracted interest from several of England’s biggest clubs. Ultimately, though, the opportunity to work within Guardiola’s development vision persuaded Semenyo that Manchester City was the right destination for the next stage of his career.
