Antoine Semenyo is poised to undertake a medical examination with Manchester City on Thursday as his anticipated £65 million transfer moves closer to completion. This development is set to follow a match between Bournemouth and Tottenham on Wednesday evening, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Bournemouth’s head coach, Andoni Iraola, confirmed that Semenyo is expected to participate in the game against Spurs, but he acknowledged that it might be the player’s final appearance for the club. Reports indicate that an agreement has been reached in principle for Semenyo’s transfer to Man City, contingent on a release clause that is due to expire on Friday.
Additionally, Championship club Bristol City stands to gain from the transaction, as they are entitled to 20 percent of any profit made from Semenyo’s transfer. He had originally joined Bournemouth in January 2023 for approximately £10 million.
Notably, Manchester City emerged as the sole club to engage with Bournemouth regarding Semenyo’s release clause, despite previous interest from other top clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Chelsea. Chelsea has since opted to no longer pursue the matter, while Spurs have redirected their focus elsewhere.
While City looks to finalize the Semenyo deal, speculation regarding the futures of other players such as Savinho and Omar Marmoush continues, raising questions about their roles should the transfer be completed. Oscar Bobb, currently sidelined with an injury, is also drawing attention from other clubs.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, has addressed potential transfer activity amid a series of defensive injuries, including that of center-back Ruben Dias, who is expected to be out for four to six weeks due to a hamstring issue. Another center-back, Josko Gvardiol, will undergo surgery for a leg fracture sustained in a recent draw against Chelsea. Guardiola has indicated that while they may look to enhance their squad, it will not mirror last January’s spending spree of £176 million. Instead, City will consider making strategic additions to navigate their current injury woes, with possible interest in signing Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
The successful acquisition of Semenyo has the potential to significantly bolster Manchester City’s attacking options, illustrating their commitment to maintaining a competitive edge even in the face of injury challenges. This transfer reflects City’s proactive approach in the market, setting the stage for a dynamic second half of the season.