Man City land Semenyo in major Bournemouth raid

Manchester City have completed the signing of Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth, securing the attacker on a long-term deal that runs until 2031.

The Premier League champions confirmed on Friday that the 26-year-old has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium as Pep Guardiola strengthens his squad for the second half of the season.

“Manchester City are delighted to confirm the signing of Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth,” the club said in a statement. “The 26-year-old has penned a five-and-a-half-year deal, which will see him stay at the Etihad Stadium through to 2031.”

Semenyo joins City following an impressive rise in the Premier League, where he established himself as one of Bournemouth’s most influential attacking players.

The winger made 110 appearances for the Cherries after joining the club midway through the 2022/23 season, earning widespread attention with his pace, power and direct style of play.

Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Semenyo began his professional career at Bristol City and gained valuable experience through loan spells at Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland before breaking through at the top level.

Primarily operating from the left side of an attacking midfield trio, his performances at Bournemouth caught City’s attention, with the champions ultimately moving to secure his signature.

Reacting to the transfer, Semenyo said joining City was a dream move.

“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City,” he said. “I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League and achieved amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.

“They have set the highest standards, and it’s a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep. To be here at this stage of my career is perfect for me.”

The Ghana international added that he believes his best football is still ahead of him.

“My best football is yet to come. City are still involved in four competitions, and I really feel I can help the team have a strong second half of the season,” he said.

City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana, described Semenyo as the club’s top target during the January transfer window.

“Antoine is a really exciting signing for the football club,” Viana said. “He made it clear to us immediately that City was where he wanted to be.

“He has huge quality – two great feet, pace, power and a real habit of influencing games – as well as room for growth and development. He is humble, hard-working and totally focused on improving. He is ideal for us.”

Semenyo is available for immediate selection and is eligible to feature in City’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg clash against Newcastle next Tuesday.