Henry Winter: City have got the complete package in Semenyo and Guéhi

Henry Winter believes City have acquired “the complete package” by bringing Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi to the Club during the January transfer window.

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Even though the 2026 winter window officially closed on Monday evening, City had finalized our incoming deals well before that deadline by seamlessly securing the services of Semenyo and Guéhi.

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With a wealth of experience in the Premier League and internationally, aged 26 and 25 respectively, Semenyo and Guéhi are also approaching the peak years of their careers.

With the pair also attracting interest from many other top clubs, their capture represented a huge boost for Pep Guardiola’s side, both in the short and long term.

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And for Winter, one of the most respected and influential journalists to have covered English football over the last three decades, by signing Semenyo and Guéhi, City have acquired not only exceptional talent on the pitch, but also superb individuals off it.

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“I mean, it’s a real coup to get them, especially in January when it can be really hard to do business,” Winter says.

“But it’s Manchester City. One of the biggest clubs in the world, aiming for the Champions League, pushing for the Premier League and people want to play for Pep.

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“Then you consider the four league titles at stake; the treble… Manchester City are obviously a target destination for elite players, so that element doesn’t surprise me.

“So I think when Manchester City sign such high-level players and you have Pep’s name in the background, it’s extremely attractive.

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“But what City also do superbly, which a lot of other clubs perhaps don’t do, is their due diligence into a player’s character, as well as their ability to fit into the team technically and tactically.

“And you have two starters in Marc and Antoine, who are incredibly good characters and they will be popular in the locker room and on campus, because they are just good, humble guys.

“Besides being incredible players, you can also put them in a similar category, especially as humble and grounded individuals.

“They both come from what I consider to be very strong backgrounds in terms of parents and families.

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“I mean with Semenyo; his father Larry played in the Ghana League if memory serves and his mother is a medical professional, so there is that commitment to helping others.

“And it’s the same with Guéhi too. There’s the story of his father who was a pastor and how Marc used to go to the local church when he was young and play the drums and how he is such a caring person.

“So there’s a real hinterland there with the two of them – it shows that they’re just great, level-headed people, without a trace of ego.

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“In terms of tactical and technical excellence, I mean, the quality of players that City have brought in is evident.

“You saw that with Marc on his debut at City, and you saw it with Antoine on his debut where he provided both a goal and an assist.

“They will absolutely deliver on every level.

“I also think Marc could be a future City captain. Obviously there are already great leaders at the club like Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Rodri, but Guéhi has already proven himself to be an exceptional captain at Crystal Palace with tremendous leadership qualities.

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“And he will develop even more through the daily contact with John Stones. Obviously John is injured right now, but just John’s personality, the way John handles being an elite player – Marc will grow even more from that.

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“So I think you have an exceptional player, with a good injury record and an elite defender who will also contribute to the goals.

“It’s the same with Semenyo. Obviously he plays in a completely different position, and he’s fantastic on the wing with his pace, quality and overall attacking threat.

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“I remember watching him when he was on loan at Bristol City and you could already see the explosive raw talent.

“And I think it’s quite ironic when everyone says, ‘Oh, Pep is the master of dominating the center of the pitch’, which he does, to be honest, to such great effect.

“But also, I think City are the only team that are playing with the most width at the moment, in terms of Jeremy Doku on the left and Semenyo, when he comes in on the right and that’s so great to see

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“However, if you need to play more centrally, Antoine can also play there very effectively.

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“So there is quality, versatility, humility, work ethic, certainly with Semenyo, and the same quality, humility, work ethic and leadership with Guéhi.

“Whichever way you look at it, these are two top quality signings across the board.”

Tickets for the City vs Newcastle second leg available!

Watch the conclusion to what promises to be a thrilling final four at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday February 4.

Newcastle are Carabao Cup holders and will be determined to retain their crown, while City are aiming for a ninth success in League Cup history.

Tickets start from £20 for adults and £10 for concessions, while a wide range of hospitality packages from £250 are also on offer to make it a special occasion!

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*On sale to Season Ticket members and existing Cityzens Matchday and Junior members (as of Tuesday 16 December 2025) who have purchased at least one home match at the Etihad Stadium. 4 tickets per person.

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