Semenyo returns to Newport where World Cup journey began
7 verified6 unconfirmed
Antoine Semenyo has returned to the training ground of his former club Newport County as Ghana prepares for the 2026 World Cup. The Manchester City forward, who scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final, first made his mark in professional football during a loan spell at Newport from Bristol City in 2018. Now valued as a major attacking talent, Semenyo is expected to be a key player for Ghana when they face England, Panama, and Croatia in Group L. Ghana will play a friendly against Wales on Tuesday, June 2, in Cardiff before the tournament. Semenyo qualifies for Ghana through his parents and made his international debut in time for the 2022 World Cup. He has three goals in 34 appearances for the Black Stars.
What’s verified
Antoine Semenyo began his professional career on loan at Newport County from Bristol City in 2018.
He now plays for Manchester City after moving from Bournemouth in January 2026.
Semenyo scored the winning goal for Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
He is expected to be a key player for Ghana at the 2026 World Cup.
Ghana is in Group L with England, Panama, and Croatia.
Ghana will play a friendly against Wales on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Semenyo qualifies for Ghana through his parents and debuted for the nation in 2022.
Not yet confirmed
Single-source reports describe specific recollections from former Newport boss Mike Flynn, including a training ground moment that convinced him to start Semenyo the next game.
Single-source reports include a claim that Chelsea made a £2m bid for Semenyo during his Newport loan.
Single-source reports provide details of Ghana’s coaching change, with Carlos Queiroz appointed in April 2026 after Otto Addo was dismissed following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Single-source reports state that Ghana have not won any match since qualifying for the World Cup.
Single-source reports include former Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan’s comments on Semenyo and his own equalising goal against England in a 2011 friendly.
Exact transfer fees for Semenyo’s moves are not consistently reported: one source refers to him as a “£62.5m attacking talent” while another mentions a transfer from Bournemouth but no fee.
Key figures
Antoine Semenyo (Ghana and Manchester City forward)
Mike Flynn (former Newport County manager)
Josh Sheehan (Wales midfielder, former Newport team-mate)
Mark O’Brien (former Newport County captain)
Jordan Ayew (Ghana captain)
Asamoah Gyan (former Ghana striker)
Carlos Queiroz (Ghana head coach)
Otto Addo (former Ghana head coach)
Sources: BBC News, Sky Sports
