The story of Antoine Semenyo and his sudden arrival at Manchester City feels like one of those football moments that moves very fast and leaves fans trying to catch their breath. Just a few days ago, he was still wearing the colours of Bournemouth, fighting for points, chasing defenders, and writing his own small chapter in their season. Now, he is at the Etihad Stadium, wearing sky blue, listening to Pep Guardiola, and already dreaming about lifting trophies. One of the biggest questions City fans have been asking since his transfer became official is simple but very important. Can Antoine Semenyo play for Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi final against Newcastle United. The answer is yes, and the reasons behind that answer tell an interesting story about modern football, new rules, and how quickly careers can change.m
Antoine Semenyo joined Manchester City earlier this week in a deal that shocked many people across the Premier League. City agreed a total package worth around sixty four million pounds, with a base fee of sixty two point five million pounds and additional bonuses included. This transfer made Semenyo the most expensive Ghanaian footballer in history, a huge personal achievement and a moment of pride for his family and his country. At twenty six years old, he is entering what many believe to be the best years of his career, and City moved fast because they believe he is ready now, not just for the future.
When a player joins a new club in the middle of the season, especially a club like Manchester City that is still fighting on many fronts, fans immediately look at the fixture list. The Carabao Cup semi final against Newcastle United is a massive game. It is two legs, high pressure, and a chance to reach another final at Wembley. Naturally, supporters wanted to know if Semenyo could be involved straight away or if he would have to wait. In the past, this question would have been much easier to answer, because the old rules were very strict.
For many years, English cup competitions had a simple rule that everyone understood. If a player played for one club in a cup competition, and then moved to another club, he was cup tied. That meant he could not play for his new club in the same competition during that season. It did not matter if he played only one minute or started a game. Once he appeared, that was it. This rule caused frustration for players, managers, and fans, especially in January when many transfers happen. A player could be signed for a big fee but then be forced to watch important cup matches from the stands.
However, football is always changing, and the English Football League decided it was time for a new approach. For the 2025 26 season, a new rule was introduced, officially known as Rule 6.4. This rule removed the traditional cup tied restriction in the Carabao Cup. Under the new regulation, a player is allowed to represent up to two clubs in the same competition during a single season. This was a big change and one that many people did not fully understand until situations like Semenyo’s transfer appeared.
Earlier in the season, Antoine Semenyo played for Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup. He featured in the second round match against Brentford. Under the old rules, that single appearance would have completely ruled him out of playing for Manchester City in the semi final. But because of the new rule, that appearance does not stop him. He is fully eligible to play for City in the Carabao Cup, including the semi final first leg against Newcastle United on Tuesday, January thirteenth.
Manchester City confirmed this immediately after announcing his signing. The club made it clear that Semenyo was available for selection right away in all domestic competitions. This included the Premier League, the FA Cup, and of course, the Carabao Cup. There was no waiting period, no paperwork delay, and no legal doubt. Everything was completed in time, and Pep Guardiola could use him as soon as he felt ready.
Semenyo did not have to wait long to make his Manchester City debut. Just one day after his transfer was completed, he was named in the squad for the FA Cup match against Exeter City. Many people expected him to start on the bench, but Guardiola surprised some fans by giving him significant minutes. Semenyo took that chance in the best possible way. He scored in a stunning ten one victory, announcing himself to the Etihad crowd and showing why City were willing to spend so much money on him.
That goal against Exeter City was more than just a simple debut goal. It was a statement. It showed his confidence, his movement, and his hunger to succeed at the highest level. It also helped fans imagine what he could bring in bigger matches, against stronger opponents, in competitions like the Carabao Cup. With that performance fresh in everyone’s mind, the excitement around his possible involvement against Newcastle grew even stronger.
The timing of Semenyo’s transfer also added to the drama. His final contribution for Bournemouth came in emotional fashion. In his last match for the club, he scored a stoppage time winner against Tottenham Hotspur. That goal meant everything to Bournemouth fans in that moment. Just twenty four hours later, he was on his way to Manchester for his medical. It felt like the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, all happening in the space of a single day.
From Manchester City’s point of view, signing Semenyo now rather than waiting until the summer was a clear message. They believe he can help them immediately. With a busy schedule and tough matches ahead, Guardiola wanted another forward who can press, run, score goals, and offer something different. Semenyo fits that profile. He is strong, direct, and not afraid of big moments. These are qualities that matter a lot in cup competitions, where one moment can decide everything.
The Carabao Cup semi final against Newcastle United is expected to be intense. Newcastle are strong, physical, and well organised. They are also dreaming of silverware. For City, the Carabao Cup has become almost a habit in recent years, but Guardiola knows nothing can be taken for granted. Having a player like Semenyo available gives him more options. He can use him from the start, bring him on as an impact substitute, or even keep him in reserve depending on the game plan.
For Semenyo himself, the chance to play in a semi final so soon after joining City is a dream. Many players join big clubs and wait months before getting involved in matches that really matter. Here, he has the opportunity almost immediately. It is also a chance to show Guardiola that he can be trusted in high pressure situations, not just in comfortable wins like the FA Cup match against Exeter.
The rule change that allows this situation has sparked debate among fans and pundits. Some people believe it makes competitions fairer and more exciting. Others worry it could benefit bigger clubs who can sign players in January and use them straight away in crucial matches. In Semenyo’s case, the rule works in City’s favour, but it is also part of a wider shift in how football authorities view player movement and competition rules.
What cannot be debated is that everything has been done within the rules. Semenyo’s appearance for Bournemouth earlier in the competition does not break any regulation. The EFL made this clear when the rule was announced, and clubs were informed well in advance. Manchester City knew exactly what they were doing when they moved for him in January, and the semi final was clearly in their thinking.
His contract length also shows how highly City rate him. A five and a half year deal until June twenty thirty one is a sign of long term faith. This is not a short term gamble. City see Semenyo as someone who can grow, adapt, and become even better under Guardiola’s coaching. Playing in big matches like the Carabao Cup semi final will be part of that development.
For Ghanaian football fans, this moment is also special. Seeing one of their own become the most expensive player in the country’s history and immediately feature in major matches for one of the best clubs in the world is inspiring. Semenyo carries that responsibility with pride, and his early performances suggest he is ready for it.
As the semi final approaches, the focus will be on team selection, tactics, and nerves. But the question of Semenyo’s eligibility is already answered. He can play. The rules allow it. The club confirms it. His debut performance supports it. Now, it is up to Guardiola to decide how and when to use him.
Football often moves so fast that yesterday feels like a different world. Antoine Semenyo was a Bournemouth player scoring a late winner not long ago. Now, he is preparing for a Carabao Cup semi final with Manchester City. Thanks to a new rule, there is no barrier in his way. The stage is set, the lights are bright, and the opportunity is real. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, one thing is clear. Antoine Semenyo is ready, eligible, and already part of Manchester City’s push for more silverware this season.
