Although Semenyo had signed with a Championship club, his youth — just 18 at the time — led to an immediate loan to the non‑league side Bath City.
“When he was competing against peers his own age, he relied on his physical superiority; however, facing senior opponents forced him to master techniques such as shielding the ball with his arm, turning, and sliding,” Gill explained.
Initially deployed as a striker, Gill shifted Semenyo to a wide role, where he quickly impressed with his adaptability and responsiveness to coaching feedback.
‘He was a quick learner,’ Gill added. ‘His integration into the squad was not straightforward for a young loan player, yet his attitude was exemplary. His characteristic smile remained evident even then.’
His next loan spell took him to Newport County in League Two, where he netted three goals in 21 appearances during the first half of the 2018‑19 season.
Outstanding performances in the FA Cup attracted significant interest from Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, prompting Bristol City to recall him.
Could this have been Semenyo’s breakthrough at a higher level? Not quite.
He earned his first start in March 2019 while the Robins chased a playoff spot, but was substituted before the hour with his side trailing 1‑0 at home to Leeds.
A month later, as City pursued a top‑six rival Derby, he entered the game in the 33rd minute seeking an equaliser; the team lost 2‑0, and Semenyo was sent off.
Further setbacks followed, including a modest loan at Sunderland in League One the next season, frequent managerial changes at Ashton Gate, and an inability to cement a regular place in the squad.
The arrival of Nigel Pearson appeared to be a turning point.
Partly by design and partly out of necessity — having to trim a bloated wage bill — Pearson opted for youth, positioning Semenyo, alongside future Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, at the forefront.
Among the few seasoned professionals still at the club, former Bradford City forward Nahki Wells mentored Semenyo, describing him as “a raw but talented young player.”
‘I recall being the senior player he approached for advice,’ Wells told BBC Sport. ‘I felt almost like an older brother to him.’
‘He possessed everything — pace, ability, and a skill set that was undervalued at the time,’ Wells said.
‘It was like assembling a puzzle; he kept fitting his pieces together until he became the player he is today,’ Wells added.
A breakthrough emerged: during the 2021‑22 season he contributed eight goals and twelve assists, and in 2022‑23 added eight goals and two assists.
Premier League clubs began to show interest, with Southampton and Crystal Palace — who had previously rejected him six years earlier — among the suitors.
