Manchester City's latest signing, Antoine Semenyo, is a prime example of how scouting systems can fail to identify top talent. Despite being rejected by several big clubs, including Fulham, Arsenal, and Crystal Palace, the 26-year-old winger has finally found his way to Manchester City.
Semenyo's journey to the top was not an easy one. He took a year off from football at just 15 years old, but eventually re-emerged as a skilled midfielder, before later developing into a modern winger. His career revival was largely thanks to David Hockaday, who signed him for a BTec in sports science and helped him turn his life around.
The Ghana international joined Bournemouth on a contract extension last summer and impressed enough to catch the attention of Manchester City. Despite having interest from Liverpool and Manchester United, Semenyo's desire for a January switch made the move inevitable.
City have paid a fee of £62.5m for Semenyo, with Bournemouth receiving around £10.5m, including a 20% sell-on clause that will add to their earnings in the future. The signing is another example of Manchester City's ability to find value in players who were previously overlooked by other big clubs.
Bournemouth owner Bill Foley has ambitions to take his club into Europe, but they are facing a delicate balance between profitability and sustainability regulations. Until plans for a new stadium come to fruition, the Cherries will likely remain a shop window for talent rather than a destination for top players.
Semenyo's arrival at Manchester City adds to their growing squad of enigmatic talents, including Jérémy Doku and Rayan Aït-Nouri. The Ghana international is expected to pair physical power with high skill levels on the pitch, and his potential hits its peak as he reaches his late 20s.
The loss of Semenyo will be a significant blow for Bournemouth, who had helped polish him up into an elite player. However, City are confident that they have made a shrewd signing, and Semenyo's arrival is just the latest example of their ability to find hidden gems in the lower divisions.
Semenyo's journey to the top was not an easy one. He took a year off from football at just 15 years old, but eventually re-emerged as a skilled midfielder, before later developing into a modern winger. His career revival was largely thanks to David Hockaday, who signed him for a BTec in sports science and helped him turn his life around.
The Ghana international joined Bournemouth on a contract extension last summer and impressed enough to catch the attention of Manchester City. Despite having interest from Liverpool and Manchester United, Semenyo's desire for a January switch made the move inevitable.
City have paid a fee of £62.5m for Semenyo, with Bournemouth receiving around £10.5m, including a 20% sell-on clause that will add to their earnings in the future. The signing is another example of Manchester City's ability to find value in players who were previously overlooked by other big clubs.
Bournemouth owner Bill Foley has ambitions to take his club into Europe, but they are facing a delicate balance between profitability and sustainability regulations. Until plans for a new stadium come to fruition, the Cherries will likely remain a shop window for talent rather than a destination for top players.
Semenyo's arrival at Manchester City adds to their growing squad of enigmatic talents, including Jérémy Doku and Rayan Aït-Nouri. The Ghana international is expected to pair physical power with high skill levels on the pitch, and his potential hits its peak as he reaches his late 20s.
The loss of Semenyo will be a significant blow for Bournemouth, who had helped polish him up into an elite player. However, City are confident that they have made a shrewd signing, and Semenyo's arrival is just the latest example of their ability to find hidden gems in the lower divisions.
meanwhile, manchester city finds value in players who others overlooked... it just goes to show that scouting systems aren't always 100% reliable 
. Is it really about the playing skills or is there something more? I mean, he took a year off at 15 and then came back to football... what was going on in his life that made him want to give up? And how did David Hockaday help him turn his life around? That's some interesting stuff! 
. And £62.5m is a lot of money... will it be worth it for City if Semenyo doesn't live up to expectations? 
did they even watch him play or is it just about the price tag? 
... city's scouting system might be flawed, but hey, at least they found someone who can give 'em a run for their money 
they're like stuck in limbo you know? on one hand they need cash to upgrade but on the other they can't attract top players because they don't have a decent stadium 
it's like they're waiting for a chicken and egg problem or something so Semenyo leaving is gonna hurt 'cause he was definitely polished by their team 
! I was reading about this Antoine Semenyo guy and his story is so inspiring 
. From being rejected by big clubs like Fulham, Arsenal, and Crystal Palace to finally making it to Manchester City... talk about perseverance 
. I'm loving how City are always on the lookout for those hidden talents 
. It's like they're proof that with hard work and the right guidance (like David Hockaday helped him), anyone can turn their life around 
. And let's be real, £62.5m isn't too shabby a price tag either 
!
He's got this underdog vibe goin on and it's actually kinda inspiring 
This signing by City is so underrated. Everyone's focusing on their massive budget but what about their scouting system? They're always finding these talented players who everyone else thinks are benchwarmers 
. We can all learn from Semenyo's determination and how he turned his circumstances around 
️. Can't wait to see him in action! 
. They're like a development squad with ambitions to make it big, but for now, they gotta rely on guys who are willing to sign with them first