Manchester City have quietly put in place a plan to cover for any potential absence of Erling Haaland this season, according to a report from The Independent. With the Norwegian remaining the club's sole recognised central striker following the exit of Omar Marmoush, City are said to be relying on versatile forward Antoine Semenyo as their emergency option through the middle.
Marmoush's departure has become permanent business, with the move understood to be worth around £60million. The Egyptian international, who arrived at the Etihad from Eintracht Frankfurt, will not be returning to Manchester City despite an initial loan-style arrangement, closing the door on any short-term reunion with the club.
The development leaves manager Enzo Maresca without an out-and-out backup for Haaland heading into the campaign. City were active on transfer deadline day, but their business was focused on strengthening the midfield rather than adding attacking depth up front. That leaves Haaland as the only specialist number nine at Maresca's disposal, raising questions about what happens if the striker needs to be rotated or is sidelined through injury.
According to the report, the answer lies with Semenyo, who has become an increasingly important figure in City's attack since joining from Bournemouth in January. Although the Ghana international has experience playing through the middle, he has generally been deployed and prefers to operate from wide areas, where his pace and directness have made him a regular starter under Maresca.
Semenyo has featured in all three of City's competitive matches so far this season, underlining the trust Maresca has placed in him early in the campaign. His consistent involvement has come despite growing competition on the flanks, with the club having brought in additional attacking reinforcements. The arrival of a new wide player, identified as Ndiaye, is expected to intensify the fight for starting spots out wide, with Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden also competing for those positions.
Rather than limiting Semenyo's opportunities, however, the increased competition on the wings could actually work in his favour when it comes to covering for Haaland. With more depth available out wide, Maresca would have the flexibility to shift Semenyo into a central striking role whenever Haaland requires rest or is unavailable, without weakening the team's options on the flanks.
The situation highlights the fine margins City are working with in attack this season. Haaland has established himself as arguably the most prolific striker in Europe since joining the club, and any period without him would represent a significant test for Maresca's side. By having Semenyo as a ready-made alternative, however, City appear to have found a pragmatic solution rather than searching for another out-and-out forward on the market.
Whether Semenyo will be needed in that central role remains to be seen, but the report makes clear that the framework is already in place. For now, Haaland continues as City's undisputed first-choice striker, with Semenyo's versatility offering reassurance that the club will not be left short if changes are required as the season progresses.
Based on reporting from standard-football (The Independent).