Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has sparked debate by suggesting Manchester City's new £65 million signing, Antoine Semenyo, would have been a better fit for the red half of Manchester.
Scholes Questions City's 'Need' for Semenyo
The former England midfielder, speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, expressed admiration for the winger but questioned the logic behind his record move from Bournemouth to the Etihad Stadium last week. Semenyo marked his debut with a goal in City's remarkable 10-1 FA Cup thrashing of Exeter City on Saturday.
"They don't need him," Scholes stated bluntly. He elaborated that Semenyo's profile, built on "pace and power," differs from the technical, intricate style traditionally associated with City players like David Silva or Phil Foden.
"He hasn't got the guile and the little intricate stuff... He doesn't seem that type of player," Scholes added. "But you'd still love to have him, I wish we had him. He would be more suited to us."
A 'Statement Signing' or a Strategic Error?
Scholes drew parallels with Jack Grealish's high-profile transfer from Aston Villa, suggesting Semenyo faces a similar challenge transitioning from being the main man at a smaller club. "He's been like a big fish in a small pond at Bournemouth, now he's just a normal player at Man City," he remarked.
His view was echoed by former United teammate Nicky Butt, who labelled the acquisition a "statement signing more than someone Man City need really." Butt questioned the urgency, noting, "It's not like they were desperate for that kind of player to come in."
Both pundits argued that defensive reinforcements should have been a higher priority for Pep Guardiola's squad.
Semenyo's Rise and Guardiola's Confidence
The 26-year-old Ghanaian forward has been one of the Premier League's standout performers, netting 21 goals since the start of the 2024-25 season. His move came after City triggered his Bournemouth release clause, seeing off competition from Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
Semenyo, who signed a contract until 2031 and will wear the iconic number 42 shirt last worn by Yaya Touré, expressed his pride at joining the champions. "I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me," he said.
Manager Pep Guardiola defended the signing, highlighting Semenyo's Premier League pedigree and versatility. "We followed him for a long time. He is the perfect age, 25 or 26 years old, so the best years are to come," Guardiola stated.
The debate over Semenyo's suitability at the Etihad is set to continue as he aims to prove his doubters wrong and justify his substantial price tag in the blue of Manchester City.
