Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a deal worth over €70 million, marking the biggest transfer in the Cherries’ history.
The 26-year-old Ghana international has signed a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium until June 2031 and will wear the number 42 shirt for the Premier League champions.
According to reports, City will pay an initial £62.5 million (€72 million), negotiated below the £65 million release clause in Semenyo’s Bournemouth contract, with the fee spread over 24 months. The deal could rise close to the full clause value, with Bournemouth also set to receive £1.5 million in performance-related bonuses and 10 per cent of any future profit from a resale.
Speaking after completing the move, Semenyo expressed his pride at joining Pep Guardiola’s side.
“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City. I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League while also achieving amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
“They have set the highest of standards. It is a club with world class players, world class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever.
“I feel my best football is still ahead of me and City are in a great position, still competing in four competitions. I really believe I can help the team in the second half of the season.”
City’s Director of Football Hugo Viana also welcomed the signing, highlighting both Semenyo’s current quality and his potential.
“Antoine is a really exciting signing. He made it clear from the start that Manchester City was the club he wanted to join. He has pace, power, two excellent feet and a real ability to influence matches, with plenty of room for further development.”
Semenyo joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in January 2023 and steadily developed into one of the Premier League’s most effective attacking players. He scored a career best 11 league goals last season and attracted interest from several top clubs, including Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham.
Despite signing a new contract last summer, Bournemouth eventually cashed in as Semenyo continued his impressive form this season. He leaves the south coast club having already scored 10 goals in 21 matches, with his final contribution coming as a stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 victory over Tottenham.
Born in London, Semenyo has earned 32 caps for Ghana, scoring three international goals, and now takes the next step of his career with Manchester City as they push for further domestic and European success.
