League Cup: Rule change makes Semenyo available for Man City in semi-final against Newcastle

New signing Antoine Semenyo is available to play for Manchester City in the semi-finals of the English League Cup due to a recent rule change – and it has not gone down well with Newcastle.

Semenyo has already played for Bournemouth in the League Cup, having come on as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat to Brentford in August.

However, the Ghanaian international, who joined City last week for $87 million, can play in the last four against Newcastle due to a rule introduced for this season that allows a player to represent up to two clubs in the competition in a single season.

The first stage is Tuesday.

When asked what he thought of the change, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe smiled and said ruefully: «Yes, it was nice to find out that rule had changed after I found out they’d signed it! I have to say that’s a rule change I probably wouldn’t be in favor of at the moment.»

Semenyo made his debut for City on Saturday and was one of nine goalscorers in a 10-1 thrashing of third division Exeter in the FA Cup.

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“Antoine has had an incredible season,” Howe said of a player who has already scored 10 Premier League goals. «I’m a big admirer of him and he scored on his debut, so fair play to him. I think Manchester City have signed a very, very good player.»

With Jeremy Doku potentially returning to the starting line-up against Newcastle, City manager Pep Guardiola could opt to move Semenyo to the right wing at St. James’ Park with Oscar Bobb and Savinho currently injured.

“In a few plays (against Exeter) he showed what he showed at Bournemouth,” Guardiola said, “and hopefully he can continue to do that here.”

The second stage is scheduled for February 4.

Chelsea and Arsenal meet in the other match in the semi-finals. The first stage is Wednesday.

Published on January 12, 2026