Man City sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth
Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Ghana international Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth, completing a deal that sees the winger commit his future to the Etihad Stadium on a five-and-a-half-year contract.
The move represents a club-record sale for Bournemouth, bringing an end to Semenyo’s three-year stay on the south coast. The 26-year-old will wear the No 42 shirt as he begins the next chapter of his career under Pep Guardiola.
Semenyo had been one of the most sought-after attackers in the Premier League, with Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur all monitoring his situation. City, however, moved decisively to win the race for his signature, further strengthening an already formidable attacking unit that includes Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush and Jeremy Doku.
The winger arrives in Manchester in outstanding form. With 10 league goals so far this season, Semenyo sits third in the Premier League Golden Boot standings, behind only his new team-mate Haaland, who has scored 20 goals in 21 appearances.
Speaking after completing his move, Semenyo expressed his pride at joining the reigning champions.
“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City,” he said. “I’ve watched this club dominate English football for the last decade under Pep Guardiola and achieve incredible things in the Premier League and in Europe.
“This is a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever. I feel this is the perfect place to improve my game and reach the next level. It’s a real privilege to be here.
“The Etihad is my new home now. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans and show everyone what I can do.”
From non-league pathway to Premier League star
Semenyo’s rise to the top has been anything but conventional. He came through the football academy at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College before earning a move to Bristol City, where he made his senior debut at the end of the 2017/18 season.
A loan spell at Newport County during the 2018/19 campaign proved pivotal, as he scored six goals in 32 appearances and returned to Bristol City a more complete forward. He went on to establish himself as one of the Championship’s most dangerous attackers, scoring 21 goals in 125 games thanks to his blend of pace, power and flair.
Bournemouth signed Semenyo three years ago, and he quickly adapted to Premier League football. After netting his first top-flight goal against Leeds United, he enjoyed a breakout 2023/24 season, contributing 10 goal involvements and producing a memorable brace in the Cherries’ dramatic 4-3 comeback win over Luton Town.
Last season, Semenyo played 44 matches for club and country, scoring 14 goals as Bournemouth finished ninth — their highest-ever Premier League position — with a club-record 56 points. In total, he leaves the Cherries with 28 goals and 10 assists in 97 Premier League appearances.
When could Semenyo make his Man City debut?
Semenyo could make his first appearance for Manchester City on Saturday 10 January, when Guardiola’s side host Exeter City in the FA Cup. City then face Newcastle United in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final on Tuesday 13 January, before a blockbuster Premier League clash against Manchester United on Saturday 17 January. Photo by AFC Bournemouth, Wikimedia commons.