In a major statement of intent, Manchester City have secured the signature of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo on a five-and-a-half-year contract in a deal worth up to £64 million, the club confirmed on Thursday.
The 26-year-old Ghana international, who scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner for Bournemouth against Tottenham on Wednesday, becomes Pep Guardiola’s first signing of the January window and could make his debut as soon as this weekend in the FA Cup.
The transfer, structured as an initial £62.5 million with a further £1.5 million in potential add-ons, represents a record sale for Bournemouth and sees City beat significant competition from Premier League rivals including Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham.
In a strategic move, the clubs agreed on a deal outside the forward’s £65 million release clause, providing Bournemouth with a higher guaranteed sum payable over 24 months and including a 10% sell-on clause, while granting City more favorable payment terms.
“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City,” Semenyo told the club’s media channels. “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. I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It’s a real privilege to be here.”
He added, “My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that. 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.”
City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, revealed that Semenyo’s desire to join the Etihad was a decisive factor. “He made it clear to us immediately that it was City he wanted to join,” Viana said. “We are constantly watching players all over the world. Antoine was the one we most wanted. He has shown he can perform in the Premier League. He is humble, hard-working, professional and totally focused on being a better footballer. He is ideal for us.”
Semenyo, who will wear the number 42 shirt previously donned by City legend Yaya Touré, leaves Bournemouth having netted 10 Premier League goals in 20 appearances this season.
Analysts suggest the signing directly addresses a specific tactical need for Guardiola’s squad. The departure of wide players like Riyad Mahrez has left City seeking a consistent, direct goal threat from the wings to complement striker Erling Haaland.
Semenyo’s profile, featuring formidable pace, power, and a notably two-footed shooting ability, makes him a potent weapon both on the counter-attack and against deep defensive blocks. His immediate eligibility, aided by a recent rule change that allows players to represent two clubs in the same Carabao Cup campaign, means he could feature in Tuesday’s semi-final first leg against Newcastle United.
The transfer continues a period of significant investment at the Etihad, taking the club’s spending over the past 12 months beyond £425 million. For Bournemouth, the sale exemplifies their successful player trading model, generating a substantial profit on a player signed from Bristol City for approximately £10 million in January 2023.