Manchester City Football Club has officially completed the landmark acquisition of Ghanaian international winger Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth in a transformative deal valued at approximately £65 million. The transaction represents a record-breaking sale for the South Coast club after City triggered Semenyo’s release clause just before the Saturday deadline.
The financial structure involves £62.5 million payable through 24 monthly installments supplemented by performance-based bonuses. Semenyo has committed his future to the Premier League champions by signing a long-term contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031. In a symbolic gesture, he will inherit the iconic number 42 shirt previously worn by club legend Yaya Touré, who secured three Premier League titles during his illustrious eight-year tenure.
Semenyo expressed profound enthusiasm about his move, stating: ‘Joining Manchester City fills me with immense pride. This club embodies the highest standards of excellence with world-class players, state-of-the-art facilities, and the guidance of Pep Guardiola, one of football’s greatest managerial minds. At this crucial stage of my development, this environment provides the perfect platform for growth. I’m convinced my best football remains ahead of me.’
The 26-year-old London-born forward concluded his Bournemouth chapter in dramatic fashion, scoring a stoppage-time winner in Wednesday’s 3-2 victory against Tottenham Hotspur. His departure marks the end of a productive three-year spell at Vitality Stadium where he registered 32 goals and 13 assists across 110 appearances in all competitions.
Manchester City prevailed in a intense transfer battle against Premier League rivals Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Chelsea to secure Semenyo’s signature. Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed the new signing will be immediately available for selection in Saturday’s FA Cup third-round clash against Exeter City.
Guardiola elaborated on the strategic acquisition: ‘Antoine demonstrated extraordinary capabilities at Bournemouth. His ambidextrous versatility, Premier League experience, and maturity at 26 years old made him an exceptional target. We’ve monitored his progression extensively and believe his peak years are forthcoming.’
Statistical analysis reveals Semenyo’s remarkable impact this season, with four goals in his final six appearances placing him third in the Premier League scoring charts with 10 goals from 20 matches—trailing only teammate Erling Haaland (20) and Brentford’s Igor Thiago (16). His pressing efficiency particularly stands out, having won possession in the final third more frequently than any other Premier player since the start of last season (51 instances).
Director of Football Hugo Viana emphasized the strategic significance: ‘Antoine represents exactly the profile we seek—immense technical quality, dual-footed capability, explosive pace, and proven game-influence. His humility, work ethic, and developmental potential align perfectly with our club philosophy.’
Bournemouth initially acquired Semenyo from Bristol City for £10 million in January 2023, with the player having previously developed through the Championship system with additional loan spells at Sunderland, Newport County, and non-league Bath City.