Pep Guardiola ‘concern’ revealed as Liverpool race Man City to sign ‘extraordinary’ player
Pep Guardiola is worried about a certain aspect of his squad that could be fixed if Man City make a January move for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.
Antoine Semenyo has been one of the best attackers in the Premier League so far this season, with six goals and three assists in his first 12 appearances up to now.
Football Insider revealed during the summer window that interested clubs had been told Bournemouth were prepared to accept offers for Semenyo ahead of the new season, but that stance soon changed.
Semenyo signed a brand new five-year contract with Bournemouth in July, putting rumours around a potential imminent departure to bed, but long-term doubts around his future still remain.
Liverpool are planning to approach Semenyo in January amid some poor early-season form, but Man City have been linked to him previously and could also swoop for his services in the new year.
Guardiola worried about lack of goals outside of Haaland as Antoine Semenyo still targeted
Man City’s quest to return to winning silverware has been headed by Erling Haaland this season, with the burly Norwegian netting 19 goals in 16 appearances so far.
Pep Guardiola’s other attacking players have struggled to score regularly up to now, and a new report from talkSPORT has revealed that the Citizens’ boss is “concerned” about the lack of goal-scoring midfielders in his squad.
The report also states that City could “have a big say” in the future of Liverpool target Semenyo, as Guardiola is a “big admirer” of the 25-year-old, so a January move way well be in the offing.
Guardiola has already heaped praise on Semenyo
Haaland is obviously City’s best player and focal point, but they will not be able to over-rely on his constant goalscoring if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League this season.
Phil Foden is next on their top-scorers this season list with four, while Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki both have three each, so Guardiola’s concerns are pretty understandable.
He is known to be a big fan of Semenyo, and made that much clear when speaking to the media before City faced Bournemouth in early November.
Guardiola said: “He’s an extraordinary, extraordinary, extraordinary player! His energy, his confidence, his movement – unbelievable.
“He doesn’t stop running, he attacks space so well, and when he has the ball, you feel something will happen. He’s improving every game. Players like him make this league special – always hungry, always brave.”
The Ghanaian would certainly add a new dimension to City’s attack considering their lack of direct wingers other than Doku, and the fact that Ghana have not qualified for the African Cup of Nations will encourage City to put a bid in for him in January.