Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has reserved warm praise for Antoine Semenyo following the Ghana international’s high-profile move to Manchester City, describing the forward as an outstanding addition ahead of their Carabao Cup semifinal meeting.
Speaking before Tuesday night’s first-leg encounter at St James’ Park, Howe acknowledged the quality City have added to their squad with the capture of the former AFC Bournemouth attacker.
Semenyo completed a £64 million transfer to the Premier League champions earlier this month, committing to a five-and-a-half-year deal that underlined City’s long-term faith in his ability.
The 26-year-old wasted little time announcing himself at his new club, producing a goal and an assist on debut in City’s emphatic 10-1 FA Cup fourth-round victory over Exeter City.
That performance has placed him firmly in contention to feature against Newcastle, despite having already appeared in the Carabao Cup earlier in the campaign with Bournemouth.
“Antoine’s had an incredible season. I’m a big admirer of his and he scored on his debut, so fair play to him. I think Man City have signed a very, very good player.”
Newcastle now face the immediate challenge of containing a player brimming with confidence as they attempt to secure an advantage in the semifinal tie.
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT, with the return leg to follow later in the month as both sides chase a place at Wembley.
