Manchester City have made a major statement in the January transfer window, capturing the signature of Ghanaian winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a deal that’s already sending ripples across English football. The 26-year-old, who has been a standout performer for the Cherries this season, joins Pep Guardiola’s side on a five-and-a-half-year contract, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031. The transfer fee, reported at £65 million, is a record sale for Bournemouth and underlines City’s intent to fortify their attack as they chase glory on multiple fronts.
Semenyo’s journey to the Premier League elite has been one of perseverance, adaptability, and relentless improvement. Born in London to Ghanaian parents, he began his professional career at Bristol City, where he cut his teeth with loan spells at Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland. It was at Newport, during the 2018/19 season, that a young Semenyo first made waves—helping the Welsh side to a memorable FA Cup upset over Leicester City before returning to Bristol City and establishing himself as a Championship regular. By the summer of 2019, he had signed a long-term deal with the Robins and was named their Young Player of the Year in 2020/21 after a breakout season featuring 50 appearances.
The Premier League beckoned midway through the 2022/23 campaign when Bournemouth, recognizing his burgeoning talent, snapped him up for around £10 million. Since then, Semenyo’s ascent has been remarkable. Deployed chiefly as a left-sided attacker, he quickly became one of the league’s most dynamic and eye-catching wingers. Over the course of 110 appearances for the Cherries, he notched 32 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, with his final flourish coming in the form of a dramatic stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 victory over Tottenham—his Bournemouth swansong and a fitting birthday gift to himself.
This season, Semenyo has been nothing short of sensational. He’s delivered 10 goals and three assists in 20 Premier League outings, making him the division’s third-highest scorer, trailing only Erling Haaland and Brentford’s Igor Thiago. His ability to influence matches isn’t limited to finding the net; he ranks among the Premier League’s top three for shots (56) and chances created (37) directly following a carry. Only two players have completed more dribbles over the last season and a half—one of whom is his new City teammate Jeremy Doku. Add to that his relentless work rate, evidenced by winning possession in the final third 51 times since the start of last season (the best in the league), and you see why Guardiola was so eager to bring him to Manchester.
City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana, couldn’t hide his excitement at landing Semenyo, calling him “the one we most wanted.” Viana praised the winger’s “huge quality, two great feet, pace, power, a habit of influencing games and, importantly, real room for growth and development.” He added, “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.”
Pep Guardiola, speaking at his Friday press conference, confirmed that Semenyo will be in the squad for Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie against Exeter City at the Etihad. “He was extraordinary at Bournemouth, he can play on both sides, he knows the Premier League and many clubs wanted him and he decided to join us,” Guardiola said. “We followed him for a long time. He is the perfect age, 25 or 26 years old, so the best years are to come.”
Semenyo himself is relishing the challenge ahead, expressing both pride and anticipation in his first statement as a City player: “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 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.”
His arrival comes at a crucial time for City, who remain in the hunt for silverware on four fronts. Semenyo will provide much-needed depth and competition to a winger corps that currently includes Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush, Savinho, and Oscar Bobb. With Savinho and Bobb sidelined by injury and Marmoush away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Semenyo’s immediate availability could prove vital as City navigate a congested fixture list that includes the Carabao Cup semifinal first leg against Newcastle United next Tuesday.
The transfer saga saw City fend off interest from Premier League rivals Manchester United, Liverpool, Spurs, and Chelsea. Ultimately, Semenyo’s desire to work under Guardiola and compete at the highest level proved decisive. “He made it clear to us immediately that it was City he wanted to join,” Viana revealed, underscoring the player’s commitment and enthusiasm for the move.
Semenyo’s fitness and consistency have also been impressive. He’s missed just two Premier League matches since April 2024, a testament to his durability and professionalism. Last season, he set a personal best with 11 league goals in 36 starts, and he’s now just one shy of matching that tally with half the current campaign still to play. His upward trajectory is clear: eight goals and three assists in his first full top-flight season, 11 the next, and now 10 already this term—including a memorable brace at Liverpool and that unforgettable winner against Spurs.
Internationally, Semenyo has become a key figure for Ghana, earning 32 caps and featuring at the 2022 World Cup. He’s expected to play a significant role for his country at the upcoming World Cup this summer, further burnishing his credentials as one of Africa’s brightest footballing talents.
There’s a sense of excitement and optimism around the Etihad as Semenyo prepares to make his debut. He’ll wear the iconic number 42 shirt, previously donned by City legend Yaya Toure, and fans are eager to see if he can emulate Toure’s impact. With his blend of pace, power, technical skill, and a relentless drive to improve, Semenyo looks tailor-made for Guardiola’s high-octane, possession-based style. Can he be the difference-maker as City chase more silverware? Only time will tell, but all signs point to a thrilling new chapter for both player and club.
As the Premier League season intensifies and Manchester City’s pursuit of trophies heats up, all eyes will be on Antoine Semenyo—the latest star to join the blue side of Manchester—ready to light up the Etihad and beyond.
