Transfer news: Antoine Semenyo completes £65m move to Manchester City from Bournemouth
Manchester City have completed the signing of forward Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a deal worth £65million, writes Sports News Blitz’s Alex Rhodes.
The Ghana international joins in a record-breaking sale for the Cherries, with City activating a release clause that was due to expire on Saturday.
Bournemouth will receive £62.5m over 24 monthly instalments, with additional bonuses included.
Semenyo has signed a contract until 2031 and will wear the number 42, emulating Premier League legend Yaya Touré, who won three Premier League titles with City.
“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City,” said Semenyo.
“They have set the highest of standards and it is a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers in Pep [Guardiola].
“My best is yet to come, I’m sure of that.”
The forward arrives in Manchester off the back of a stellar run of form, scoring four goals in his final six appearances for Bournemouth, including a stoppage-time winner in their recent 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Journey to the top
Born in London, Semenyo’s rise to the top of English football has been anything but straightforward.
He was rejected by the academies of Arsenal, Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Millwall before joining Bristol City in 2017, where he spent time on loan at Sunderland, Newport County and non-league Bath City.
After breaking into Bristol’s first team in 2021, Semenyo registered 21 goals and assists across 125 games for the club, earning a £10m move to Bournemouth in January 2023.
Since joining the Cherries, his progression has been rapid.
In 110 games, he has scored 32 goals and provided 13 assists, emerging as Bournemouth’s most dynamic forward player.
This season, Semenyo established himself as Bournemouth’s standout performer, leading the team for goals (10), shots (49) and touches in the opposition box (91).
His defensive contributions are equally impressive, winning the ball back 51 times in the final third – more than any other Premier League player since the start of last season.
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Fitting in at City
At Bournemouth, Semenyo became the focal point – the player team-mates and supporters relied upon – but at Manchester City, his task will be far more complex.
Competition for starting places in attack is fierce, with Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Jérémy Doku and Rayan Cherki all vying for a role.
This season, Guardiola has leaned more heavily on fast attacking transitions than in previous campaigns, maximising the strengths of forward Erling Haaland alongside Foden and Doku.
Bournemouth have adopted a similar style of play under Andoni Iraola, meaning Semenyo should adapt quickly to City’s style of play.
The Ghanaian moreover offers a new attacking profile for the Citizens.
Although he averages fewer take-ons and chances created than Doku, Semenyo attempts nearly double the shots per game, averaging 3.1.
His willingness to drive centrally and shoot early offers the team an alternative threat, especially in matches with tight margins.
This may prove pivotal, with City increasingly reliant on Haaland for goals this season.
The Norwegian has netted 20 goals in the league, with Foden the next highest player on seven, as others have struggled for consistency.
Omar Marmoush, Savinho and Silva are yet to score, while Semenyo currently sits third in the league’s scoring charts.
His arrival may also allow Foden to return to a more natural, central midfield role, where his creativity is most effective.
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Effect on bloated squad
In the immediate future, Semenyo will play a crucial role as City attempt to close the gap to Arsenal in the title race.
Injuries to forward players Oscar Bobb and Savinho, as well as international absences, have stretched Guardiola’s attacking options.
In the long-term, he offers valuable versatility.
For the Cherries, Semenyo played 49 times on the right, 41 on the left and four at striker – this flexibility could prove vital across multiple competitions.
His arrival may see Foden and Cherki pushed to the bench more often after both looked lethargic at times against Chelsea.
Doku’s recurring fitness issues likewise mean Semenyo’s physical robustness and ability to operate on both flanks will be crucial.
However, Semenyo’s arrival may also have consequences elsewhere: Savinho and Bobb, once fit, could find minutes hard to come by.
Last January, City spent £180m on new signings due to an injury crisis, leaving the team with a surplus of attacking options – a situation which may now prompt player sales.
Savinho, for example, joined City from Troyes in July 2024 for £31m and has since been linked with a move to Tottenham amid concerns over reduced playing time.
Ultimately, Guardiola may be forced to make difficult decisions to maintain squad balance.
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Tactical challenge for Guardiola
The Spaniard has long been an admirer of Semenyo, previously describing him as an “extraordinary player”.
“His energy, his confidence, his movement – unbelievable,” admitted Guardiola.
“He’s improving every game. Players like him make the league special – always hungry, always brave.”
Accommodating so many attacking talents will be a tactical challenge for Guardiola.
A 4-1-4-1 system appears a natural starting point, although results this season using that shape have been mixed.
In the Champions League, they dominated German side Borussia Dortmund in a 4-1 win, but they struggled in a 2-1 loss to Newcastle and a lacklustre 1-1 draw with Brighton, which could serve as a deterrent to this idea.
Regardless, Manchester City have signed a player entering his prime for a price which, in today’s market, seems cheap.
Wherever he plays, Antoine Semenyo brings pace, power, defensive work rate and a natural ability to score goals.
His presence undoubtedly adds a new dynamic to City’s attack and may be the catalyst for their push towards silverware.
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