Manchester City have completed the signing of Ghana international Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a record-breaking £65 million deal, confirming the winger’s arrival at the Etihad Stadium. The 26-year-old has committed to a five-and-a-half-year contract until 2031, taking the number 42 shirt once worn by Yaya Touré.
Semenyo bid farewell to Bournemouth in spectacular fashion, scoring a stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 victory over Tottenham just a day before completing his medical at City—a fitting final flourish for his time at the Cherries. He has been in prolific form this season, with 10 goals in 20 Premier League appearances, placing him third in the league’s goalscoring chart, behind new City team-mate Erling Haaland and Brentford’s Igor Thiago.
The winger is expected to make his Manchester City debut in the FA Cup third-round tie against Exeter City and will also feature in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United.
Director of football Hugo Viana emphasised the club’s long-term vision:
“We are constantly watching players all over the world. Antoine was the one we most wanted. He has shown he can perform in the Premier League. He is humble, hard-working, professional and totally focused on being a better footballer. He is ideal for us.”
Semenyo reflected on the move, expressing both pride and ambition:
“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City. I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that.”
The winger’s journey to the Etihad Stadium has been marked by perseverance. After early setbacks in Fulham and Crystal Palace academies, a year out of football playing basketball, and loan spells at Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland, Semenyo steadily rose through the ranks at Bristol City and Bournemouth. His breakthrough came with Bournemouth, where he became one of the most dynamic wingers in the Premier League, known for explosive pace, direct attacking runs, and goal-scoring ability.
Semenyo thrives in high-intensity, end-to-end games, with an emphasis on ball-carrying, off-the-ball runs, and defensive duels. His versatility allows him to play across the front line, although his natural position is starting from the left and cutting inside on his right foot. Tinnion, his former scout at Bristol City, praised his development:
“He was always a little bit erratic and would look to hammer and smash everything, but now you see him just placing them in the corner with his right foot, with his left foot, and he’s so much more controlled.”
For Manchester City, Semenyo represents both immediate impact and long-term potential under Pep Guardiola’s guidance. Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola acknowledged the loss:
“It’s no secret he is a massive player for us.”
From a Somerset Premier Cup hat trick to joining one of the world’s most elite clubs, Antoine Semenyo’s story is one of dedication, growth, and resilience, with a final flourish at Bournemouth hinting at the bright future that awaits him at City.
