Photo Credit: Getty Images
In a move finalized just before his release clause was set to expire this Saturday, Antoine Semenyo has joined Manchester City from Bournemouth. The 26-year-old forward has signed a deal through 2031 and will take over the iconic number 42 jersey, drawing immediate comparisons to Yaya Touré’s storied career at the Etihad. City secured the deal with a structured £62.5 million payment plan, marking a significant investment in the Ghana international's future.
"I am so proud to have joined Manchester City," Semenyo said.
"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 the premier league.
"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."
The London-born winger, 26, bid farewell to Bournemouth by scoring a stoppage-time winner in Wednesday's 3-2 victory against Tottenham.
Manchester City beat Premier League rivals Manchester United, Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea to Semenyo's signature.
"Antoine is a really exciting signing for the football club. He made it clear to us immediately that it was City he wanted to join," director of football Hugo Viana said.
"He has huge quality. Two great feet, pace, power, a habit of influencing games and, importantly, real room for growth and development.
"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 scored four goals in his last six games for the Cherries, putting him third in this season's Premier League goalscoring charts with 10 from 20 games - behind new City team-mate Erling Haaland (20) and Brentford's Igor Thiago (16). He needs just one more league goal to equal his previous best for a season, having scored 11 in 36 Premier League starts last term.
Bournemouth signed Semenyo from Bristol City for about £10m in January 2023 and he leaves the Cherries after with 32 goals and 13 assists from 110 appearances in all competitions.