Fresh from delivering a dramatic late winner for Bournemouth against Tottenham, the forward Semenyo has now arrived in Manchester for a medical, with the BD Cricket Match rhythm of the sporting calendar echoing the sense of momentum around his expected move. He is widely tipped to take the number 42 shirt as he completes a permanent transfer to Manchester City. According to reliable reports, City have agreed to pay a fixed fee of £62.5 million, with a further £1.5 million in performance-related bonuses. Bournemouth have also secured a 10 percent sell-on clause should Semenyo move again in the future. Structurally, the deal works heavily in City’s favor, as the club can spread the main fee across a 24-month installment plan, easing short-term financial pressure while still improving Bournemouth’s return compared with a straight release clause.

There is little doubt about Semenyo’s ability and versatility, and his arrival is expected to significantly expand City’s attacking options. During his three seasons at Bournemouth, he proved to be a true utility forward, featuring in almost every position on the pitch apart from goalkeeper and central defense. While his performances were not always flawless, his all-round tactical awareness stood out as a rare quality. At City, Semenyo can cover the right wing, combine effectively with Haaland and Doku in a fluid attacking setup, and even step in as a central striker when required. In many ways, he fits the idea of one player unlocking multiple solutions, a classic case of killing two birds with one stone.

However, City’s pursuit of flexible payment terms meant the transfer took nearly a week to finalize, coinciding with a frustrating start to the 2026 Premier League season that has seen three consecutive draws. Those dropped points have already cost City six valuable points, opening a gap to league leaders Arsenal. If Arsenal go on to defeat Liverpool at home, the deficit could stretch to eight points, making the title race far steeper. Much like a tense BD Cricket Match where early mistakes shape the final outcome, momentum has shifted, and Arsenal are no longer the fragile side of previous years, while City no longer carry the aura of their historic treble-winning campaign.

Against this backdrop, a crucial question emerges. With title hopes fading, does it still make sense to spend heavily on Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who has only six months left on his contract. The answer is a firm yes. In the recent match against Brighton, City fielded young defenders Husanov and the even younger Aleyn. Both showed promise, posting impressive defensive numbers and tidy passing accuracy, but youth inevitably brings inconsistency. Guardiola praised them after the match, yet expecting them to immediately anchor City’s back line across a long season would be a tall order, whether the aim is silverware or simply securing Champions League qualification.

That is why, after securing Semenyo, pushing hard for Guehi is a logical and necessary step. Strengthening the defense gives City a realistic chance to keep pressure on Arsenal and, at the very least, safeguard a top-four finish if the title slips away, a scenario that would feel as tense as a BD Cricket Match going down to the final over. With Stones likely to depart at season’s end and Aké’s contract situation still unresolved, Guehi’s experience and profile would be vital in guiding a defensive rebuild. His presence would immediately raise the team’s defensive floor while also offering valuable squad registration flexibility.

In summary, despite the current points gap and the increasingly difficult title picture, City cannot afford to abandon the pursuit of Guehi. Acting now is not just about short-term reinforcement but about protecting future Champions League ambitions and managing inevitable squad turnover, making this move less a luxury and more an urgent necessity.