MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City looks on during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Getting rejected by clubs was frustrating - Antoine Semenyo

· GhanaSoccernet

Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has reflected on the setbacks he endured during his formative years, describing the experience of being turned down by several clubs as both frustrating and disappointing.

Before establishing himself at the top level, Semenyo spent time on loan at Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland AFC as he worked to build his career.

His breakthrough came in the 2020/21 season, when he featured in 50 matches and scored seven goals, before further improving the following campaign with 20 goal contributions in 32 Championship appearances.

That progress eventually earned him a call-up to the Ghana national team in May 2022 for Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

Recalling his youth career, Semenyo revealed he went through trials at several Premier League academies, including Arsenal FC, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea FC, Fulham FC, Millwall FC and Crystal Palace FC, with his final trial coming at Crystal Palace at the age of 15.

“I went to quite a few academies between 11 and 15. Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Fulham, Millwall. Crystal Palace was my last trial at 15,” he told FIFA in an interview.

“I went there for two months, didn't get in, and (was) very frustrated that I wasn't signed by any of the teams. I just ended up giving it up and focusing on school. I gave up for the year, enjoyed just being normal."

After returning to professional football, Semenyo joined AFC Bournemouth from Bristol City FC in 2023, where he became an important player, scoring 30 goals in 101 appearances. He later moved to Manchester City FC in January, netting six times in 16 matches.