Semenyo lined up for new striking role at Manchester City

Manchester City have identified Antoine Semenyo as the player expected to provide cover for Erling Haaland at centre-forward this season, according to The Touchline.

The Premier League champions are now left with only one recognised specialist centre-forward in Haaland after Omar Marmoush departed during the summer to join Tottenham. Semenyo is therefore expected to move into the central attacking role whenever the Norway international is given a rest.

The Ghanaian forward has generally operated from either flank, but he also has experience playing through the middle. That versatility has made him the preferred option to deputise for Haaland, with Enzo Maresca expected to select Semenyo as the focal point of the attack when the club’s main striker is unavailable or needs a break.

Semenyo, 26, joined Manchester City in January after previously playing for Bournemouth. Since arriving at the club, he has scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 30 appearances.

Those figures underline the contribution he has already made since moving to the Etihad Stadium and explain why he is being considered for a more central responsibility. While his usual positions have been on the wings, his ability to play as a centre-forward gives Manchester City an alternative without requiring a change in personnel whenever Haaland is rested.

Haaland remains the only specialist striker in the squad following Marmoush’s move to Tottenham. The decision to use Semenyo as his replacement means Manchester City will rely on a player more accustomed to wide areas to lead the line when required.

The expected arrangement also gives Semenyo an opportunity to take on a different attacking role during the current season. Rather than being used solely on the flank, he could be asked to occupy the central position and provide the finishing presence normally supplied by Haaland.

According to The Touchline, that is the plan under Enzo Maresca. Semenyo’s previous experience in the centre of the attack, combined with his record since joining Manchester City, has placed him ahead of the other available options for that particular duty.

With Marmoush no longer at the club, Haaland’s rest periods will now be covered by Semenyo. The former Bournemouth player’s performances since his January arrival have established him as the club’s designated alternative in a position he has played before, even though his more familiar role has been on either side of the attack.