Manchester City have strengthened their attacking ranks with the capture of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a deal reported to be worth £65 million.
The 26-year-old forward has put pen to paper on a five-and-a-half-year contract, bringing to an end weeks of speculation over his future. Semenyo had been attracting strong interest from several Premier League rivals, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, before City moved decisively ahead of a reported buy-out clause deadline.
Speaking after completing the transfer, the London-born Ghana international described the move as a dream opportunity, praising the standards set at the Etihad Stadium under manager Pep Guardiola.
Semenyo arrives in Manchester after an outstanding campaign with Bournemouth, where he has already registered 10 league goals this season. His departure comes just days after he netted a dramatic stoppage-time winner in a 3–2 victory over Tottenham, a result that halted an 11-match winless run for the Cherries.
City are hoping the winger’s pace and directness will provide an immediate lift as they pursue trophies on multiple fronts in 2026. Guardiola’s side currently sit six points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League and remain active in the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League.
The need for reinforcements has been heightened by injuries to Savinho, while Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush is away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving City short of options in wide attacking areas.
Semenyo’s signing marks the first major move of the January transfer window in the Premier League, and City are expected to remain busy. The champions are also keen to bolster their defence following injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, with Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi, who is entering the final months of his contract, believed to be high on their list.
The forward’s rise has been rapid. After enduring several loan spells during his early years at Bristol City, Semenyo finally secured a top-flight move in 2023 and has since flourished under Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, establishing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous wide men.
He is now set for a swift introduction to life at the Etihad, with a potential debut lined up this weekend when City face League One side Exeter City in the FA Cup.
