Antoine Semenyo says he would have no problem playing through the middle for City if Enzo Maresca needed him to cover for Erling Haaland.
The summer signing has heard the suggestion that he could become City’s alternative at centre-forward, although he insists nobody at the club has actually spoken to him about it.
Semenyo open to playing through the middle for City
“I’ve heard about this back-up striker thing,” Semenyo said, via The Independent. “I don’t know where it’s come from, but if I need to, then I’ll do it. I’ve no problem in doing that.”
For now, Semenyo’s work has been done from the flanks. He has played on both sides since joining from Bournemouth and scored twice in Sunday’s 5-3 win over Sunderland, his first goals for City.
Semenyo sounds happy enough with the job Maresca is asking him to do. “I’ve enjoyed it,” he said. “I think for wide players, we’re high and wide, and we get a lot of one-v-one situations, and he backs us to win our duels.
“Even if you lose them, just keep going. But collectively, it’s quite similar to last year, and we just need to keep improving.”
The question of who plays at centre-forward when Haaland is unavailable has become more relevant since Omar Marmoush left for Tottenham in the summer. Teenager Floyd Samba was given the job when Haaland and Semenyo were rested for the 5-0 Carabao Cup win over Norwich, scoring twice on his senior debut.
There is no suggestion yet that Maresca intends to move Semenyo inside permanently. The 26-year-old has simply made it clear he is available if required and, after his two goals against Sunderland, there is not much reason to move him from the wing just yet.
LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments
