Manchester City have secured the signature of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo in a significant transfer deal. The Ghana international joins Pep Guardiola's squad on a long-term contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until June 2031.
The transfer structure sees Manchester City pay £62.5 million over a 24-month period, bypassing Semenyo's £65-million release clause. Bournemouth could receive additional compensation through £1.5 million in potential bonuses and a 10% share of any profit from a future sale.
Semenyo expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Premier League champions, highlighting City's recent dominance under Guardiola's leadership. "I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League as well as achieving amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup," Semenyo said upon his unveiling.
The 26-year-old London-born attacker believes his best years are ahead of him and sees City as the perfect environment for his development. "I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. 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."
Bournemouth negotiated to keep Semenyo for three additional matches before his departure, with his final act for the Cherries being a dramatic 95th-minute winner against Tottenham Hotspur. Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola acknowledged the significant loss, stating, "He's a big miss for us, he's a player that you cannot replace. He's an incredible player."
Semenyo had attracted interest from several top Premier League clubs including Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham prior to the January transfer window. However, the opportunity to work under Guardiola proved decisive in his choice to join Manchester City.
The former Bristol City prospect has been among the Premier League's standout attackers this season, leading Bournemouth's scoring charts with 10 goals in the top flight. Only Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Brentford's Igor Thiago have scored more this term. Semenyo has also contributed three assists and ranks among the league's top players for non-penalty shots since the start of the 2024-25 season.
His arrival provides Manchester City with additional attacking options as they compete on multiple fronts. The club currently sits second in the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Arsenal after 21 matches. Semenyo's immediate availability comes at an opportune time with Oscar Bobb and Savinho injured and Omar Marmoush participating in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
