Pep Guardiola confirms Antoine Semenyo debut for Man City as transfer thinking explained - 'perfect'

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about the signing of Antoine Semenyo after he completed a move to the Etihad

Pep Guardiola will throw Antoine Semenyo straight into the Manchester City squad for the FA Cup game against Exeter. The 25-year-old was scoring the winner for Bournemouth on Wednesday night but could turn out for his new club before the week is out.

Semenyo completed a £62.5m move to the Etihad on Friday morning and is immediately available for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup games. Guardiola will want to make changes for the visit of Exeter, although he will also be keen to monitor his new signing's fitness given he has just played four matches in 12 days for Bournemouth.

City's manager confirmed that Semenyo will be in the squad for the FA Cup game though as the Blues look to get back to winning ways after three consecutive draws in the Premier League. "He will be selected. I don't know if he will start but he will be selected because we don't have many players."

Guardiola said that City have been tracked Semenyo for years and is delighted that he chose to join their team amid stiff competition for his signature. While there is hope that Semenyo can have an instant impact on a tired squad, the forward has been told that he can afford to take his time.

"We followed him for a long time and in the end with the situation we have up front with the wingers- we have three specific players in Oscar, Savinho and Jeremy - we need to reinforce for the next years and that's why the club made the gesture and effort to take him," said Guardiola.

"He is the perfect age at 25 with the best years to come. The club likes to try to bring young players to make his career with his best years here. Everybody knows the qualities. They are extraordinary at Bournemouth and he can play on both sides - right and left.

"He can play as a striker as well with his pace. He knows the Premier League. Many clubs wanted him and he decided to join us so all I can say is thanks to him. We are very pleased for the next years."