Semenyo completes City transfer with court case still unresolved
Antoine Semenyo has signed a long term contract with Manchester City, a move the club views as a decisive push in the Premier League title race.
According to Transfer News Live, the Ghana international completed the deal on Friday, with the outlet describing the signing as a statement of intent from the reigning champions as pressure builds at the top of the table.
Semenyo arrives at the Etihad after an impressive spell with Bournemouth, where his performances attracted sustained interest from several leading clubs during the previous season.
New chapter at the etihad
Manchester City confirmed that Semenyo will wear the number 42 shirt, a number previously worn by Yaya Touré during his time at the club.
Read also: TikTok steps onto World Cup stage
Speaking after the announcement, Semenyo explained the personal meaning behind the choice, saying, “It was my first number at Bristol City when I first signed and that always stuck with me. It was either 42.”
City have not disclosed the full length of the agreement, but the move brings an end to weeks of speculation surrounding Semenyo’s future following his rise in the Premier League.
Court case from last season
The transfer comes while a legal case connected to an incident last season remains unresolved.
According to The Independent, Mark Mogan, 47, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court in December, where he pleaded not guilty to a charge of racially aggravated disorderly behaviour.
Read also: Roy Keane and Gary Neville criticise Gabriel Martinelli over Liverpool incident
The charge relates to an alleged incident during Liverpool’s Premier League match against Bournemouth at Anfield in August.
PA Media reported that Mogan was released on bail under conditions that included a ban from attending regulated football matches and restrictions preventing any direct or indirect contact with Semenyo.
Incident during anfield fixture
Merseyside Police previously said the allegation arose during the opening Premier League weekend of the season.
Semenyo reported the abuse to match officials, prompting referee Anthony Taylor to halt play in the 29th minute. A man was subsequently removed from the stands at Anfield.
Read also: Amorim exit exposes internal fault lines
Despite the disruption, Semenyo went on to score twice in the second half as Bournemouth mounted a comeback, before Liverpool ultimately secured a 4,2 victory.
At the time, Liverpool Football Club said it was aware of the allegation and stated that it “condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society, or football”.
The Football Association also responded, saying it was “concerned” by the report and would ensure appropriate action was taken.
A spotlight that follows him
According to the court, Mogan’s trial is scheduled for April, with Semenyo expected to attend the proceedings.
Read also: FIFA’s only unranked nation plans return after six-year ban
As Semenyo begins life at Manchester City, the increased profile of both the player and the case is likely to follow him, particularly as he prepares to face former club Bournemouth later this season while adapting to the demands of a title chasing squad.
Sources, The Independent, PA Media, Transfer News Live
Read also: Norris backs Hamilton rebound ahead of new F1 era
