Manchester City have completed the signing of Ghana winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a deal worth around £65 million. The transfer is a club-record sale for Bournemouth after City triggered the release clause before the deadline, as confirmed by Manchester City.
Semenyo has signed a contract until 2031 and will wear the number 42 shirt previously worn by Yaya Toure.
Player reacts after move
“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City,” Semenyo said, praising the club’s standards, facilities and manager Pep Guardiola, according to Manchester City. The 26-year-old added that he believes his best football is still ahead of him and called the move a “real privilege”.
City beat top rivals
Manchester City reportedly beat Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea to secure the winger’s signature. Director of football Hugo Viana described Semenyo as an “exciting signing” and highlighted his pace, power and room for development, as quoted by Manchester City.
Strong Premier League numbers
Semenyo scored four goals in his final six matches for Bournemouth, taking his tally to 10 goals from 20 Premier League games this season, according to Premier League statistics. Only Erling Haaland and Brentford’s Igor Thiago have scored more so far this campaign.
He is now just one goal away from matching his best-ever league season, when he scored 11 last term.
Journey from Bristol to City
Bournemouth signed Semenyo from Bristol City for around £10 million in January 2023. He leaves the south coast club with 32 goals and 13 assists from 110 appearances in all competitions, as per Bournemouth records.
Before that, Semenyo played 125 games for Bristol City, scoring 21 goals, and also spent time on loan at Sunderland, Newport County and Bath City.
Impressive pressing stats
Semenyo has won the ball back in the final third more times than any other Premier League player since last season, with 51 recoveries, according to Premier League data. His pressing ability is expected to fit well into Pep Guardiola’s system.
The winger signed a contract extension with Bournemouth last summer, which was due to run until 2030, before sealing his move to the reigning champions.
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