Top News

Manchester City confirm £62.5m signing of Antoine Semenyo as winger credits Pep Guardiola for influencing his move
Rohan Mehta | May 22, 2026 4:04 PM CST

Manchester City have officially announced the acquisition of Antoine Semenyo from Premier League side Bournemouth on a long-term deal. The Ghanaian international winger has signed a contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2031. The total transfer package is valued at £62.5 million ($84m), with an additional £1.5 million potentially payable if certain performance-related clauses are met.

Semenyo’s remarkable rise has been one of the Premier League’s standout stories. Since leaving Bristol City for Bournemouth in January 2023, the forward’s career trajectory has accelerated rapidly. Last season, he netted 13 goals in all competitions, and he has already reached double figures this campaign. Manchester City have hailed him as “one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards.” The 26-year-old is expected to be available immediately for selection by Pep Guardiola and could make his debut in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg tie against Newcastle on Tuesday.

Speaking about his move to Manchester City, Semenyo expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola. He told the club’s official website: “I am extremely proud to have joined Manchester City. I have followed City closely over the past decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have dominated the Premier League while achieving incredible success in the Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup. The club has set the highest standards, with world-class players, exceptional facilities, and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep.”

He continued, “I believe I have plenty of room to improve, and being at this club at this stage of my career is ideal for me. It’s an honour to be here. I’m confident that my best football is still ahead. City are in contention across four competitions, and I truly feel I can contribute to a strong second half of the season. The Etihad is now my home, and I can’t wait to play in front of the fans and show everyone what I’m capable of.”

Manchester City managed to secure Semenyo’s signature for slightly below the £65 million release clause stipulated in his Bournemouth contract. The Cherries accepted the deal, which includes a 10 per cent sell-on clause. The forward had attracted strong interest from Liverpool, especially amid uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future at Anfield, while Manchester United were also reported to be monitoring him. Ultimately, Semenyo chose City as his preferred destination.

Manchester City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, shared his thoughts on the club’s latest high-profile signing, stating: “Antoine is an incredibly exciting addition to our squad. From the very beginning, he made it clear that joining City was his priority. His passion and commitment during discussions were evident throughout.”

Viana added, “He possesses immense quality — both feet, pace, power, and the ability to make a real impact on games. Importantly, he still has great potential for growth and development. I’m eager to see the player he becomes in the coming weeks, months, and years.”

He continued, “Our scouting team monitors talent worldwide, and Antoine was one of the players we were most determined to bring in. He has already proven himself in the Premier League and embodies the values we look for — humility, hard work, professionalism, and a constant drive to improve. He fits perfectly into our environment.”

Manchester City issued a statement welcoming their new signing: “Gifted with exceptional natural ability, blistering speed, and a clinical eye for goal, Antoine Semenyo has all the attributes needed to excel at City. His playing style aligns perfectly with the exciting, attacking football philosophy that defines Pep Guardiola’s era at the club.”

“He arrives at the Etihad with valuable Premier League experience gained at Bournemouth, where he has been outstanding over the past three years. Additionally, Antoine brings top-level international pedigree with him.”

On the international stage, Semenyo has earned 32 senior caps for Ghana and hopes to represent his country against England in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. Before that, he will focus on helping City compete for major honours this season, with the team still in contention for the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup, and FA Cup trophies.


READ NEXT
Cancel OK