As often happens, players transferred to new clubs take some time to adjust to the style of play or settle in at their new clubs. Ghanaian prodigy Antione Semenyo has carved himself a new story by setting a record at Etihad.

Despite his impressive stint with Bournemouth, Man City activated his £65 million release clause from his former club, signing over half a half-decade contract with him. The money so far has paid off with an impressive 3-in-3 start.

In his debut appearance, he notched a goal and provided an assist during Man City’s  FA Cup clash with  Exeter City on January 10. He scored again in his second appearance on 21 Jan in the Premier League clash against Newcastle United. And his latest goal was on 24 January Premier League clash with Wolves at the 45+2 minute, making his mark in his new club.

After scoring his first Premier League goal for City in a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, he earned the praise of Former England striker Jermain Defo, who described him as “unplayable”.

His goal cemented City’s lead against Wolves as his side had already taken control of the match with Omar Marmoush’s early opener in the 6th minute. Semenyo showed excellent awareness, drifting into space inside the penalty area as City pressed for a second goal before the interval.

Speaking on Premier League Productions, Defoe described the 26-year-old’s performance as “unplayable” and highlighted his all-round contribution.

“We have seen him do that a lot of times, but to do that, it was special. He scores goals and assists as well. He is just unplayable. He is dynamic,” Defoe said.

Reacting to his display, Guardiola, following the Wolves game, praised the Ghanaian forward for his energy and productivity since joining the club.

“Absolutely. They are set-up players. Last season, it was young players [who we brought in] except Omar. Semenyo made an incredible impact at Bournemouth. Antoine came with incredible energy, and strikers are about numbers. Since he arrived, he has been unbelievable. [It was an] incredible goal,” Pep said.

Semenyo will be hoping to sustain his strong start in City colours when they face Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

Before his move to Man City, he had attracted the attention of several European clubs, including Man Utd, Liverpool and Real Madrid, whereas little to no news emerged about his move to Man City, he in the end moved there.

However, addressing these links during an interview with Sky Sports, which was aired on October 30, Antione mentioned that he has seen the reports but denied the purported links, saying he is enjoying his stay at Bournemouth.

“I don’t think about it too much,” he said. “I try to stay present as much as I can. You see the news all the time, I see it as well, I’m not oblivious, but I try to keep focused. I’m enjoying my football here. If I’m not scoring goals, all of that goes away. I try to stay present, do the best I can for the team, score goals, and whatever happens in the future happens,” he noted.

Semenyo explained that he was convinced to stay after being encouraged by the club’s vision and summer recruitment.

“When they all left in the summer, there was a lot of interest and back and forth with the club. But I knew in my head that the manager’s got something up his sleeve this year.

“How we finished off the season last year was so good, and we could continue, especially with the players we’ve brought in as well. I wasn’t too sure at the start, but we’ve kicked on like a house on fire. I’m glad I committed to staying here because I’m enjoying every moment,” he added.

Semenyo has scored six goals and provided three assists in just 10 Premier League matches. According to The Telegraph, AFC Bournemouth reportedly rejected £50 million offers from both clubs, Man Utd and Spurs, for Semenyo during the summer transfer window.

Antoine’s form has been consistent even during international games. Last season, he scored six goals in nine appearances and provided three assists. His only contender this season has been Man City’s Erling Haaland, who has a higher goal record ahead of Semenyo.

Despite interest from top clubs in Europe, he decided to stay at the Vitality Stadium, signing a new long-term contract that included a pay rise. His contract with Bournemouth’s expiry was set for 2026; however, in July, he extended his contract until 2030.

Meanwhile, the Ghana international was subjected to racism during a clash on Friday, August 15, against Liverpool.

During the first half of the Premier League opener, Semenyo was preparing to take a throw-in when a 47-year-old man passed some offensive comment at him. According to reports, Semenyo asked that the man repeat what he said; he did and even threw a gum at him.

He immediately reported it to referee Anthony Taylor, who paused the match in the 28th minute. Subsequently, he was seen leaving the stadium by the police and held in custody for a racially aggravated public order offence, according to the Merseyside Police on Monday.

He has, however, been granted bail on the following conditions that he not attend any regulated football match in the UK and be prohibited from going within one mile of any designated football stadium. A police investigation into the incident is ongoing.