Manchester City has officially secured the signing of forward Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a deal valued at £64 million. The 26-year-old Ghana international has committed to a five-and-a-half-year contract with the reigning Premier League champions, marking a significant addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Semenyo expressed his eagerness to contribute to the team’s ambitions, stating, “My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that. And City are in a great position – still involved in four competitions. I really feel I can help them have a strong second half of the season.” He will don the No. 42 shirt at City.
In the competitive race for Semenyo’s signature, Manchester City outmaneuvered other top clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham. City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, noted Semenyo’s clear preference for City throughout the negotiation process, underscoring his enthusiasm.
The deal was structured around a payment of £62.5 million, which is slightly less than Semenyo’s £65 million release clause, with performance-related bonuses expected to elevate the total cost. This fee indicates Bournemouth’s strong negotiations, especially considering that they previously retained Semenyo for six months after receiving various summer offers.
Semenyo leaves Bournemouth after a standout season where he notched up ten goals and provided three assists. His farewell performance included a spectacular stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 victory over Tottenham prior to his medical with City.
The transfer will also benefit Bristol City, the Championship club that sold Semenyo to Bournemouth for around £10 million, as they are entitled to 20% of any profit made from this transfer.
Bournemouth has experienced a bustling period in the transfer market, generating a staggering £266.5 million from player sales in just six months, highlighting their strategic maneuvering in player recruitment and sales.
Reflecting on his move, Semenyo commented on his admiration for Manchester City, praising the club’s winning culture, world-class facilities, and managerial excellence under Guardiola. “It’s a real privilege to be here,” he said, emphasizing that this step aligns perfectly with his career development.
Viana praised Semenyo’s exceptional skill set, including his pace and ability to influence games, projecting optimism about his potential growth within the City squad. “He has huge quality… I am excited to see the player Antoine can become in the weeks, months, and years ahead,” Viana remarked, indicating City’s commitment to fostering talent.
This transfer adds to Manchester City’s total spending of approximately £425.9 million in the past year, reflecting the club’s ongoing investment in talent in its pursuit of continued success on multiple fronts.