In a move that exemplifies class as much as sporting ambition, forward Antoine Semenyo has completed his £60 million transfer to Manchester City from AFC Bournemouth. The 26-year-old Ghana international didn't just slip away quietly; he bid an emotional and public farewell to the club and its supporters, cementing his legacy on the south coast with a gesture of genuine gratitude.
A Parting Gift of Gratitude
Before embarking on his new chapter at the Etihad Stadium, Semenyo ensured his final act as a Bournemouth player was one of thanks. The striker purchased a full-page advertisement in the local Bournemouth Echo newspaper, featuring a simple but powerful message: "To all the fans at AFC Bournemouth, thank you for all the memories, I wish you all the best." This heartfelt tribute followed a dramatic on-pitch farewell, where he scored a 95th-minute winner against Tottenham Hotspur in early January, his final touch in a Cherries shirt.
Proving His Worth and Sealing the Deal
Semenyo's big-money move is a testament to his outstanding development and performance since joining Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023. During his time at the Vitality Stadium, he made 110 appearances, scoring 32 goals and providing 13 assists. This season alone, he has netted ten Premier League goals, showcasing the form that attracted the attention of the reigning champions. His new contract with Manchester City is for five and a half years.
City's director of football, Hugo Viana, expressed his delight at the acquisition, highlighting Semenyo's attributes and attitude. "Antoine is a really exciting signing for the football club," Viana told the club's official website. "He has huge quality. Two great feet, pace, power, a habit of influencing games and, importantly, real room for growth and development... He's humble, hard-working, professional and totally focused on being a better footballer. He's ideal for us."
What Semenyo Brings to Manchester City
The versatile attacker arrives at a City side currently six points behind league leaders Arsenal, with the clear aim of boosting their title charge. Semenyo is seen as a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola's system due to several key strengths:
- Proficiency in scoring with both feet.
- Ability to operate anywhere across the forward line.
- Excellence in high-pressing systems and work rate without the ball.
Upon completing the transfer, Semenyo himself outlined his excitement and ambition. "I'm 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... My best football is yet to come, I'm sure of that. The Etihad is my new home. I can't wait to play in front of the fans here." Having also been linked with Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham, his choice of City marks a significant coup for the club as they strengthen for the season's final push.
