Manchester City, the Premier League giants, have announced the successful signing of forward Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth. The deal was finalized on Friday morning after meeting the player's £65 million release clause, as reported by BBC Sport.
Semenyo, a 26-year-old Ghana international player, joined Bournemouth from Championship side Bristol City in 2023. He quickly established himself as one of the top attackers outside of the Premier League’s ‘top six’. During his tenure with Bournemouth, he made a total of 110 appearances across all competitions and contributed significantly to their success with his impressive record of scoring 32 goals and providing 13 assists.
The forward has been in particularly remarkable form this season. He netted ten times in just 20 Premier League matches for Andoni Iraola’s side.
Long-term contract with The Cityzens
Manchester City confirmed that Semenyo has signed a long-term contract that will keep him at Etihad Stadium until the end of the 2030/31 campaign. This move is seen as an investment into their future attacking prowess.
The club also confirmed that Semenyo would be available immediately for selection. This suggests that fans might see him make his debut when Pep Guardiola’s side host Exeter City in the FA Cup third round on Saturday afternoon.
Semenyo had been linked with a move away from Bournemouth last summer; however, no transfer materialised then. Instead, he signed a new contract with Bournemouth which included a £65 million release clause. After much speculation and competition for his signature during this January window transfer period, Manchester City emerged victorious by making him their first signing this year.
Competition within Guardiola's squad
At Manchester city, Semenyo will compete with the likes of Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki for a place in Guardiola’s side. This competition is expected to further enhance the team's performance and bring out the best in each player.
Manchester City's acquisition of Antoine Semenyo is a significant move that not only strengthens their squad but also demonstrates their commitment to investing in talented players. The £65 million deal signifies Semenyo's potential and City fans will be eagerly waiting to see him perform on the pitch.
