Antoine Semenyo’s switch to Manchester City has arrived with layers of meaning that stretch far beyond a marquee move in the transfer market.
When the Ghanaian forward was unveiled at the Etihad Stadium wearing the storied No. 42 shirt, it instantly evoked memories of one of the club’s most influential eras, and prompted a heartfelt response from the man who made the number iconic.
Yaya Touré, the City legend whose own legacy is inseparable from No. 42, was quick to welcome Semenyo and underline the cultural weight attached to the shirt. For Touré, the decision was not merely about squad numbers, but about continuity, pride and identity.
Taking to social media, the former midfielder offered his congratulations while stressing the deeper symbolism of the choice:
“Antoine, a short message to say congratulations to your move to Man City. An incredible move and achievement. The number forty-two is a very special number, and I’m proud you have chose New Jersey, knowing it will continue its African heritage, and I know it’s exceptional hands. All the very best.”
The number 42 is in exceptional hands 🙌🏾
Great for @ManCity 🩵
Great for Africa 🌍
Good luck @antoinesemenyo – the City fans will look after you!!! 👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/49KY5p1AVi
— Yaya Touré (@YayaToure) January 9, 2026
City officially confirmed Semenyo’s arrival on Friday, with the 26-year-old wasting no time in linking up with Pep Guardiola’s squad. The speed of his integration underlines both the club’s immediate attacking needs and the confidence placed in him to deliver from the outset.
Guardiola reinforced that belief in his pre-match press conference, confirming that Semenyo would be part of the matchday squad for the FA Cup third-round fixture, a clear signal that the forward is already in contention for minutes. The move crowns a remarkable rise for Semenyo, who has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season.
His return of 10 goals in 20 league appearances for Bournemouth marked him out as one of the division’s most effective attackers and earned him his chance on the biggest stage.
Yet his journey to Manchester has been shaped as much by resilience as by raw talent. Earlier in his career, Semenyo famously trained with two non-league clubs in a single day while on loan at Bath City, determined to maintain sharpness and push his development forward.
Semenyo seals dream switch to Man City, eyes major silverware under Guardiola
Now, wearing a number rich in history and expectation, Semenyo steps into a new chapter, one that links City’s past with its present, and carries forward a legacy that Touré himself helped to define.
