Manchester City have strengthened their attacking options with the signing of Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for a reported £65 million.
The 26-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-and-a-half-year contract, becoming the Premier League champions’ first major acquisition of the January transfer window.
Semenyo, who has scored 10 Premier League goals this season, attracted interest from several top clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, but City moved swiftly to secure his signature before his reported buyout clause expired.
Speaking after completing the move, Semenyo expressed his excitement at joining Pep Guardiola’s side.
“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City,” he said.
“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.
“They have set the highest of standards and it’s a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep.”
Semenyo’s final appearance for Bournemouth was a memorable one, as he scored a stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 victory over Tottenham, ending the Cherries’ 11-game winless run.
City are hoping the versatile winger can boost their pursuit of silverware across four competitions. Guardiola’s men currently sit six points behind Arsenal in the Premier League and remain in contention in the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League.
The champions have been short of options in wide areas, with Savinho sidelined by injury and Omar Marmoush away on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Semenyo’s arrival is expected to provide much-needed depth and attacking threat.
“I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me,” he added.
“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.”
The forward’s rise has been remarkable. After being loaned out three times by Bristol City early in his career, Semenyo earned a Premier League move in 2023 and has since developed into one of the league’s most dangerous wingers under Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.
City are also expected to reinforce their defence after injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol. Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who is out of contract at the end of the season, remains their top target.
Semenyo could make his City debut on Saturday when the champions host Exeter City in the FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium.
