Will Antoine Semenyo Be Ready to Battle Newcastle in Carabao Cup Semi-Final Showdown?
Antoine Semenyo has begun his Manchester City journey, with Pep Guardiola giving the club's newest signing his debut start in Saturday's FA Cup third round match against Exeter City.
It proved to be a comfortable afternoon for the Citizens, who channeled their disappointment from recent Premier League setbacks into a dominant display against League One opponents. Semenyo, among the top flight's standout performers of the 2025–26 season, launched his Manchester career with a goal and assist in the comprehensive 10–1 victory before two crucial upcoming matches in City's campaign.
Prior to crossing Manchester for the derby at Old Trafford next Saturday, Guardiola's team heads to St. James' Park for the opening leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final encounter with Newcastle United.
Matches in Newcastle are rarely straightforward, particularly under floodlights, and questions have emerged about the eligibility of their January recruit, considering Semenyo has already participated in this competition for Bournemouth during the current season.
Here's an overview of the winger's availability for Tuesday's cup fixture.
Is Antoine Semenyo Cup-Tied for Man City in Carabao Cup?
Is Antoine Semenyo Cup-Tied for Man City in Carabao Cup?
In past campaigns, Semenyo would have been ineligible for Man City's Carabao Cup semi-final versus Newcastle.
The Ghana international appeared as a substitute for Bournemouth in their second round loss to Brentford in August, and the English Football League (EFL) previously mandated that players could not represent multiple clubs in the Carabao Cup within the same season.
Nevertheless, this regulation was modified before the 2025–26 season. Players can now represent up to two different clubs in the same tournament, provided it's not within the same round. Consequently, Semenyo is cleared to play on Tuesday evening for his new team.
Cup-tied limitations were originally implemented across various competitions to stop teams from acquiring players during January to enhance their prospects in later stages. These restrictions were eased by UEFA in 2018, and English domestic cup tournaments have now adopted similar changes.
The Football Association (FA) is also permitting players to feature for two different clubs during the same FA Cup run, beginning with the 2025–26 season.
Man City are therefore among the initial major beneficiaries of this modification, but Newcastle boss Eddie Howe isn't particularly pleased: "Yeah, it was nice to discover that rule had changed after learning they'd acquired him," he remarked with a sardonic grin before Tuesday's match.
"I must say that's one rule alteration I probably wouldn't endorse at this particular time."
It's now Newcastle's responsibility to contain the dangerous Ghanaian, though Semenyo might be set to begin Tuesday's encounter as a substitute. Jérémy Doku is the more probable starter on the left wing for the visiting team, but Guardiola will have one of the Premier League's exceptional talents this season available when required.