Manchester City have completed a stunning £65 million deal for Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo, prising the in form winger away from Bournemouth in what has become the biggest transfer in the south coast club’s history.
City moved swiftly to activate Semenyo’s release clause ahead of the deadline, agreeing a package worth around £62.5 million to be paid in instalments over 24 months, with additional performance related bonuses included in the deal. The transfer represents a massive profit for Bournemouth and underlines City’s intent to reinforce their attacking options at the highest level.
The 26 year old has signed a long term contract with the Premier League champions that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031. He will wear the number 42 shirt, famously worn by club legend Yaya Toure during his trophy laden spell at Manchester City.
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Speaking after completing the move, Semenyo described the transfer as a proud moment in his career. He said joining Manchester City was an honour, praising the club’s winning culture, world class players, elite facilities and the influence of manager Pep Guardiola. He added that he believes his best football is still ahead of him and that City is the perfect place to reach his full potential.
Semenyo arrives in Manchester on the back of a remarkable spell with Bournemouth, where he signed off in dramatic fashion by scoring a last minute winner in a 3–2 victory over Tottenham. His performances this season had drawn strong interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs, but City ultimately won the race for his signature.
Director of football Hugo Viana described Semenyo as a priority target for the club, revealing that the player made it clear from the outset that he wanted to join City. Viana praised his pace, strength, two footed ability and match winning qualities, noting that his attitude and professionalism made him a natural fit for Guardiola’s squad.
The Ghanaian winger has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, scoring 10 goals in 20 league appearances. That tally places him third on the scoring chart, behind Erling Haaland and Brentford striker Igor Thiago. He needs just one more goal to equal his best ever Premier League return of 11 goals from last season.
Bournemouth signed Semenyo from Bristol City for around £10 million in January 2023, making the £65 million sale a record breaking deal for the club. He leaves the Cherries with an impressive return of 32 goals and 13 assists from 110 appearances in all competitions.
Before his rise in the Premier League, Semenyo built his reputation in the Championship with Bristol City, registering 21 goals and 21 assists in 125 matches. His development included loan spells at Sunderland, Newport County and non league side Bath City, experiences that helped shape his physical and mental edge.
Semenyo had only recently committed his future to Bournemouth by extending his contract until 2030, but City’s decisive move proved impossible to resist. His departure will be keenly felt on the south coast, where he had become a central figure in the team’s attacking play.
For Manchester City, the signing is seen as a major boost and potentially a bargain in an inflated transfer market. Semenyo’s pace, power and finishing ability are expected to add a new dimension to Guardiola’s attack as City continue their push for domestic and European dominance.
