Manchester City have completed the signing of Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth, securing the services of one of the Premier League’s most dynamic attacking talents on a long-term contract that underscores the club’s ambition to strengthen their squad amid a demanding campaign across multiple competitions.
The Premier League champions announced on Friday that the 26-year-old had committed his future to the Etihad Stadium until 2031, signing a five-and-a-half-year deal that marks a significant step in his rapid ascent from lower league football to the summit of English football.
“Manchester City are delighted to confirm the signing of Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth. 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,” the club said in a statement published on their official website.
Semenyo’s arrival at the Etihad represents the culmination of a remarkable journey that has seen him develop from a promising prospect in the lower divisions into one of the Premier League’s most feared attacking players, capable of influencing matches with his pace, power and clinical finishing.
“Semenyo has enjoyed a meteoric rise to become one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards,” Manchester City said in their statement, highlighting the winger’s transformation during his time at Bournemouth.
The Ghanaian international made 110 appearances for the Cherries after joining them midway through the 2022/23 season, establishing himself as a key figure in their attack and consistently troubling opposition defences with his direct running and ability to operate across the forward line.
Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Semenyo began his professional career at Bristol City, where he first caught the attention of scouts with his raw athleticism and attacking instincts. His development accelerated through loan spells at Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland, each move providing valuable experience and sharpening the attributes that would eventually make him a top-flight success.
Mainly operating on the left side of an attacking midfield trio at Bournemouth, Semenyo’s performances earned him widespread recognition throughout the Premier League, with his combination of pace, technical ability and work rate making him an increasingly attractive proposition for clubs competing at the highest level.
Manchester City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana, revealed that Semenyo was the club’s primary target during the January transfer window, emphasising the thorough evaluation process that identified him as the ideal addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad.
“Antoine is a really exciting signing for the football club,” Viana said. “He made it clear to us immediately that it was City he wanted to join. He has huge quality. Two great feet, pace, power, a habit of influencing games, and, importantly, real room for growth and development.”
Viana stressed that the club’s global scouting network had identified Semenyo as the standout candidate among numerous options assessed during the window. “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,” the director said.
Reacting to his move to the Etihad, Semenyo expressed pride and excitement at the opportunity to work under one of football’s most successful managers and compete for the game’s most prestigious honours.
“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,” Semenyo said.
The forward acknowledged the extraordinary standards that have defined Manchester City’s era of dominance, during which the club has won multiple Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, and established itself as one of European football’s powerhouses.
“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,” Semenyo said.
The 26-year-old believes his best years remain ahead of him and expressed confidence in his ability to contribute immediately to Manchester City’s pursuit of silverware across four competitions. “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,” he said.
Semenyo’s arrival comes at a crucial juncture in Manchester City’s season, with the club still competing in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup. His versatility across the attacking line and proven ability to perform in high-pressure situations are expected to provide Guardiola with valuable tactical options as the campaign enters its decisive phase.
“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 added, acknowledging the passionate support base that has backed Manchester City’s rise to the pinnacle of English and European football.
The Ghana international will be available for immediate selection and is eligible to feature in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg tie against Newcastle United next Tuesday, potentially making his debut in a high-stakes encounter as the club pursues another domestic trophy.
Semenyo’s signing represents Manchester City’s commitment to maintaining squad depth and quality across all positions, particularly in attack where competition for places has intensified with the demands of competing on multiple fronts. His addition provides Guardiola with another dimension to an already formidable attacking arsenal, offering pace, directness and the ability to stretch opposition defences.
The transfer also reflects Manchester City’s evolving recruitment strategy, which increasingly focuses on identifying players who have demonstrated consistent performance in the Premier League while possessing significant room for further development under Guardiola’s meticulous coaching methods.
For Semenyo, the move represents the realisation of ambitions nurtured through years of climbing the football pyramid, from non-league football to League One, the Championship, and ultimately the Premier League. His journey mirrors that of several modern players who have taken unconventional paths to the top, developing resilience and maturity through varied experiences before reaching elite level.
His international career with Ghana adds another dimension to his profile, with the Black Stars having benefited from his emergence as a reliable attacking option in recent years. The experience gained through international competition, including exposure to different tactical systems and playing styles, has contributed to the versatility that made him attractive to Manchester City’s technical team.
The financial terms of the transfer have not been officially disclosed by either club, though the five-and-a-half-year contract signals Manchester City’s long-term commitment to Semenyo’s development and their belief in his potential to become a central figure in the club’s continued success.
Bournemouth will now face the challenge of replacing a player who had become integral to their attacking output, with Semenyo’s departure creating a significant void in their forward line. The Cherries will likely reinvest the transfer fee in strengthening their own squad as they pursue their objectives in the Premier League.
