Manchester City sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in €72m deal

Manchester City have completed the signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a blockbuster deal worth more than €70 million, strengthening Pep Guardiola’s attack for the second half of the season.

The 26-year-old Ghanaian forward has signed a contract until June 2031 and will wear the number 42 shirt at the Etihad Stadium. City will pay an initial £62.5 million (€72m), making the move the largest sale in Bournemouth’s history.

The three-time Premier League winners successfully negotiated a fee below Semenyo’s £65 million release clause, with the payment spread across 24 months. Bournemouth will also receive £1.5 million in performance-related bonuses and 10 percent of any future profit from a resale.

Semenyo delighted by city move

Speaking after completing the transfer, Semenyo could not hide his excitement about joining Pep Guardiola’s side.

“I am 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 in the Premier League and achieved amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.

“They have set the highest of standards. It’s a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever. I feel this is the perfect place for me at this stage of my career.”

The forward added that he believes his best football is still ahead of him and that he is eager to help City in their push across four competitions this season.

“The Etihad is my new home. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans and show everyone what I can do.”

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City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana, revealed that Semenyo made it clear from the start that City was his preferred destination.

“Antoine is a really exciting signing for this football club. He wanted to join us from the first moment. He has pace, power, quality on both feet and a real ability to influence games. There is still so much room for him to grow, and that is what excites us most.”

From Bournemouth star to Etihad arrival

Semenyo joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in January 2023 and quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers.

He scored a career-best 11 league goals last season and has already hit 10 goals in 21 appearances this campaign, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Tottenham in midweek.

His form had attracted interest from Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham, but City moved decisively to secure his signature.

Although Bournemouth tied him down to a new contract in the summer, the Cherries could not resist a record-breaking offer that now sees Semenyo take the next step in his career at one of Europe’s elite clubs.

Ghana Star ready for the big stage

Born in London, Semenyo represents Ghana internationally and has already earned 32 caps, scoring three goals for the Black Stars. He now becomes one of the most high-profile African players in the Premier League as he prepares to compete for major honours with Manchester City.