Manchester City have pulled off a major Premier League transfer coup, securing the signature of highly sought-after Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth for a fee of £65 million.
A Long-Awaited Move for the Premier League's Most Wanted
The 26-year-old striker, who has been one of the standout performers this season, has put pen to paper on a five-and-a-half-year contract at the Etihad Stadium. Semenyo's arrival bolsters Pep Guardiola's attacking options as the reigning champions aim to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal.
Semenyo was the subject of intense interest from several top-flight rivals, including Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United, after details of his release clause became known. However, City's director of football, Hugo Viana, revealed the player was unequivocal in his desire to join the Sky Blues. "His enthusiasm for this football club has been clear throughout this entire process," Viana stated.
A Fairytale Farewell and a New Beginning
The forward bid a perfect goodbye to Bournemouth on Wednesday night, scoring a 95th-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. By Thursday morning, he had arrived in Manchester aboard a private black jet, touching down at around 7:18 am to finalise his record move.
City have agreed to pay Bournemouth an initial £62.5 million, with the total package rising to £65m through add-ons and a sell-on clause. Semenyo, who joined the Cherries from Bristol City for around £10m in 2023, has been in scintillating form, netting 10 goals in 21 appearances this campaign after scoring 13 last season.
Privilege, Potential, and the Iconic Number 42
In his first comments as a City player, Semenyo expressed his pride and outlined his ambitions. "I am very proud to have signed for Manchester City," he said. "I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant Premier League team, achieving incredible things in the Champions League, the FA Cup, and the League Cup."
He added: "It is a club with top players, top facilities and one of the best managers in history, Pep. I have a lot of room for improvement, so being at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It is a real privilege to be here." The Ghanaian also confirmed he will wear the number 42 shirt, last worn by club legend Yaya Touré.
Semenyo arrives with City still competing on four fronts, and he is confident he can make an immediate impact. "I am sure my best football is yet to come," he declared. "And City are in a great position: they are still in four competitions. I think I can help them have a strong second half of the season. The Etihad is my new home."
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola paid tribute to the departing star, praising his professionalism. "It is not easy to do what he has done," Iraola said. "Most players would have acted differently... He was willing to give what we needed. We were able to have him until the last second and it is fair that he leaves with the feeling he has at the end."
The signing was completed against the backdrop of City's third consecutive Premier League draw, a 1-1 stalemate with Brighton on Wednesday, which dealt a further blow to their title aspirations.
