Ally McCoist names ‘tremendous’ Manchester City star who could finally be replaced by Antoine Semenyo
Manchester City are expected to be among several clubs throwing their hats in the ring to sign Antoine Semenyo in the coming months.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that Liverpool are set to go all out to sign Semenyo in January, with Arne Slot keen to bolster his attack.
Alexander Isak suffered a fractured leg in Liverpool’s win over Tottenham on Saturday, with the forward now facing months on the injury table.
With Mohamed Salah also unavailable after travelling to the Africa Cup of Nations, the Reds are in need of reinforcements.
It was also revealed on Tuesday that Chelsea have made an initial enquiry about Semenyo, with the Blues also expected to be among the front-runners.
Ally McCoist suggests Antoine Semenyo could replace five-time Premier League winner
Manchester City are expected to be a strong contender for Semenyo’s signature, and could likely offer the winger more money than any other interested party.
There is a fairly obvious spot in Pep Guardiola‘s team for the forward to fill, as well, with Rayan Cherki expected to drop back into the midfield in due time.
| Antoine Semenyo | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 16 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Chances created | 23 |
| Successful dribbles | 25 |
Semenyo has enjoyed a superb season, scoring eight goals and providing three assists despite his team’s struggles in recent months.
Bournemouth had started the season in good fashion, but have failed to win any of their last eight Premier League fixtures.
With difficult matches approaching against Brentford, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham, Andoni Iraola‘s team could even be dragged into a relegation scrap if they are not careful.
Speaking to talkSPORT about Semenyo’s future on Tuesday, Ally McCoist said: “I think City might. You know the one I don’t think City have replaced? [Riyadh] Mahrez.
“I mean [Jeremy] Doku tries to do his wee bit and get by people but I go back to Mahrez. I thought Mahrez was tremendous for City.”
Did Manchester City ever replace Riyadh Mahrez?
Mahrez signed for Manchester City from Leicester City in 2018, two years after he had played his part in the Foxes’ miracle Premier League title-winning season.
The winger would score 78 goals for the Citizens, winning four more Premier League titles and the Champions League before leaving in 2023 to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
Doku arrived that summer, but Mahrez’s spot on the right was largely filled by the in-form Phil Foden.
Another midfielder, Cherki, has since taken over the role, with Manchester City never truly finding a pure winger to replace the presence that Mahrez had brought.
Semenyo could be just that man, however, and Manchester City will be keen to see if the Bournemouth forward can take the step up that the former Fox did.