Manchester City have signed forward, Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a £65m transfer.
Semenyo’s move was completed after he scored his last goal for Bournemouth in a 3-2 Premier League victory at home to City’s rivals for his signature, Tottenham Hotspur, coincidentally on his 26th birthday which marked his 10th goal of the season.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United were also reportedly interested in signing the 26-year-old but City swooped days before the transfer window open with a £65m offer, which was accepted on condition that the transfer was completed after Bournemouth’s league games against Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs.
City duly agreed to the condition and following a medical less than 24 hours after the latter match, Semenyo signed a five-and-a-half year contract until June 2031.
“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City,” commented Semenyo in his first interview with mancity.com as he reflected on City’s achievements under manager, Pep Guardiola.
“I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League as well as achieving amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
“They have set the highest of standards and it’s a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep.
“I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It’s a real privilege to be here.
“My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that. And City are in a great position – still involved in four competitions. I really feel I can help them have a strong second half of the season.
“The Etihad is my new home. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans here and I hope to show everyone what I can do.”
Semenyo also paid tribute to Bournemouth fans for their support in a farewell interview on afcb.co.uk, as he spoke of their belief despite a rollercoaster period at the club.
“Thank you to the fans for everything that’s happened, for the endless support and for being there through all the ups and downs, not just for me but the team. I’m so grateful for them, they’ve been nothing but special and so good to me.”
City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana added that Semenyo “is a really exciting” player with the ideal “enthusiasm” throughout the transfer process, and is confident that he can continue to become a top player with City.
“He has huge quality. Two great feet, pace, power, a habit of influencing games and, importantly, real room for growth and development. I am excited to see the player Antoine can become in the weeks, months and years ahead.
“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 began his career at Bristol City where he progressed through the Robins’ youth academy and went on to score 21 goals in 125 senior appearances, amidst loan spells at Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland.
January 2023 saw Semenyo move to Bournemouth where he managed 32 goals in 110 appearances across three years at the Vitality Stadium.
Semenyo represents Ghana at international level and has scored three goals in 32 appearances and is set to be part of the Black Stars’ World Cup squad this summer, which will see them face Panama, England and Croatia in the group stage.
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