In a major mid-season transfer coup, Manchester City are poised to complete the signing of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo in a deal worth £65 million. The Ghana international is scheduled for his medical with the Premier League champions on Thursday, immediately after playing one final match for the Cherries.
Final Farewell Before Big-Money Move
Antoine Semenyo will feature for Bournemouth against Tottenham Hotspur at the Vitality Stadium on Wednesday night. This appearance will serve as his farewell before he travels north to Manchester the following morning to finalise his record-breaking switch. The 24-year-old has been a standout performer this season, netting nine Premier League goals and attracting significant attention from the division's elite.
Medical and Immediate Impact for City
The swift timeline means Semenyo could be in contention to make his debut for Pep Guardiola's side as early as this weekend, when City face Exeter City in the FA Cup. His arrival is seen as a direct move to bolster City's attacking options as they intensify their pursuit of league leaders Arsenal in a gripping title race. Liverpool had also maintained a firm interest in the prolific forward, but City have moved decisively to secure his signature early in the January transfer window.
Financial Ripples and Defensive Crisis
The transfer carries significant financial implications beyond the headline fee. Semenyo's former club, Bristol City, are set to receive a windfall of around £11 million due to a sell-on clause inserted in his contract when he moved to the south coast. Meanwhile, City's activity is not limited to incoming attacks. The club's defensive injury crisis, with Josko Gvardiol suffering a broken leg and Ruben Dias facing up to six weeks out with a hamstring injury, has prompted them to intensify their interest in Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, with contact already made.
Further potential movement could see City winger Oscar Bobb depart, with Borussia Dortmund among several European sides keen on the young Norwegian. The swift capture of Semenyo represents a significant statement of intent from the reigning champions as they look to maintain pressure at the top of the table.
