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As Manchester City continues to reshape its squad for both present and future success, the recent acquisitions of both Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi have generated much excitement.
These two players bring distinct qualities to the team, promising to strengthen Pep Guardiola’s already formidable setup.
Both were among the players we earlier earmarked to likely secure a transfer during the January 2026 transfer window.
FootballOrbit briefly summarises what both signings offer to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Antoine Semenyo reinforces the attack
Antoine Semenyo’s transfer from Bournemouth for £64 million is a significant investment in the club’s attacking depth.
The 26-year-old Ghanaian winger has demonstrated his ability to impact games with both goals and assists. He scored 10 goals and provided 3 assists for Bournemouth in the Premier League this season.
His versatile playing style — marked by pace, flair, and strength — will give Guardiola more options in attack, complementing the likes of Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.
Also, Semenyo’s agility and directness in one-on-one situations make him an ideal fit for City’s high-intensity, quick-transition style of play.
Moreover, his hunger for growth, evident from his own statements, suggests he is ready to take his game to new heights under Guardiola’s guidance.
Furthermore, Semenyo’s arrival could provide much-needed competition for places in City’s front line, ensuring that players like Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki are pushed to maintain their best form throughout the season.
With his experience in the Premier League, Semenyo is likely to slot into City’s rotation seamlessly, contributing both in wide positions and possibly even centrally — offering tactical flexibility.
While it remains to be seen how much playing time he will immediately command, his talent and ambition should allow him to make an immediate impact.
Marc Guehi shores up the defense
On the defensive side, Marc Guehi’s imminent move from Crystal Palace further solidifies City’s ambitions.
Guehi, an English international, has long been one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders — known for his composure, strength, and leadership.
With Ruben Dias, John Stones and Josko Gvardiol currently injured, adding Guehi would provide Guardiola with crucial depth in central defense.
The 25-year-old’s ability to read the game, paired with his technical skill on the ball, makes him a natural fit for a team that demands its defenders to contribute to possession play.
Notably, Guehi’s aerial ability and defensive intelligence would help cover any gaps in City’s backline, particularly when facing physically demanding teams.
Moreover, he can chip in with goals and assists too. He scored 3 goals and provided 4 assists for Crystal Palace in the first half of the season.
With the rigors of competing across multiple fronts, having a versatile and dependable defender like Guehi is invaluable.
His mature, composed performances for Crystal Palace, even in challenging situations, prove he can handle the pressures of elite-level football.
What next?
Together, Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi represent a balance of raw potential and seasoned experience. These qualities could be key for Manchester City as they compete for domestic and European honours.
While Semenyo adds another attacking dimension, Guehi shores up the defense, ensuring that City remains competitive on all fronts.
Furthermore, their acquisition allows Manchester City to deal Liverpool heavy blows as both players were actually expected to join the Reds.
Ultimately, with both players eager to prove themselves at the highest level, they are likely to enhance the quality and depth of Guardiola’s squad — reinforcing Man City’s status as one of the world’s top footballing forces.
