Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, completing a deal that sees the 26-year-old join the Premier League champions for an initial fee of £62.5 million, with a further £1.5 million in performance-related add-ons.
The Black Stars forward has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031, following the successful completion of his medical on Thursday. Semenyo has been registered in time for the weekend and could make his Manchester City debut in Saturday’s FA Cup third-round clash against League One side Exeter City. He is also eligible for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg encounter against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, revealed that Semenyo had become the club’s top transfer priority after an impressive spell at Bournemouth. The Ghana international will wear the No.42 shirt, previously worn by club legend Yaya Touré.
“We are constantly watching players all over the world, and Antoine was the one we most wanted,” Viana said. “He has shown he can perform in the Premier League. He is humble, hard-working, professional and fully focused on improving. He is ideal for us.”
Semenyo departs Bournemouth after scoring 10 goals in 20 Premier League appearances this season and arrives at City aiming to contribute to silverware in the second half of the campaign.
“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City,” Semenyo said. “I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League while also achieving incredible success in Europe and domestic competitions.
“I still have so much room to improve, and joining this club at this stage of my career is perfect. It’s a real privilege to be here. My best football is yet to come, and with City still competing on four fronts, I feel I can help the team have a strong finish to the season.”
