Antoine Semenyo has been handed the No. 42 shirt at Manchester City following his move from AFC Bournemouth.
The Ghana international completed his switch from the Cherries in January on a long-term deal that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2031, becoming City’s first signing of the 2026 January transfer window.
Semenyo, 26, arrives after an impressive 2025/26 campaign, scoring 10 Premier League goals — a tally bettered only by his new teammate Erling Haaland and Brentford striker Igor Thiago.
The No. 42 shirt holds personal meaning for the forward, having been the number he wore when he made his senior debut for Bristol City at just 18 in May 2018. He went on to make 125 appearances for the club before joining Bournemouth in January 2023.
Explaining his decision, Semenyo said: “It was my first number at Bristol City when I first signed and that always stuck with me. It was either 42 or 24, and 24 wasn’t available so I went back to my first number. That was the inspiration behind it.”
The No. 24 shirt is currently worn by Josko Gvardiol, prompting Semenyo to return to the number famously worn by City legend Yaya Touré, who enjoyed eight trophy-laden seasons at the club.
Pep Guardiola’s side hope Semenyo’s arrival will boost their title push as the 2025/26 season enters its decisive phase.