Antoine Semenyo joins Man City from Bournemouth for £64 million
Semenyo, a winger for Bournemouth, is signed by Manchester City for £64 million in time for his FA Cup debut.
Manchester City has declared that they have successfully signed Antoine Semenyo, a winger for Bournemouth.
The 26-year-old paid £62.5 million to join the Etihad Stadium, with an additional £1.5 million due in add-ons.
Following a checkup on Thursday, Semenyo signed a five-year, six-month contract that will run until 2031.
The Ghanaian international may make his City debut on Saturday when the team plays League One team Exeter City in the FA Cup third round. He was registered in time for the weekend.
He will also be able to play in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semifinal first leg at St. James’ Park against Newcastle United.
After an outstanding stint at Bournemouth, Semenyo became the club’s top transfer priority, according to Hugo Viana, director of football at City.
“We are always keeping an eye on athletes worldwide. We really wanted Antoine,” Viana remarked.
“He has proven that he is capable of performing in the Premier League.” He is professional, industrious, modest, and entirely focused on improving as a football player. He is perfect for us.
After scoring 10 goals in 20 Premier League games this season, Semenyo leaves Bournemouth with the intention of assisting City in their pursuit of a trophy in the second half of the season.
“Joining Manchester City makes me so proud,” Semenyo remarked.
“Over the past ten years, I have followed City under Pep Guardiola, and they have dominated the Premier League and accomplished incredible feats in the Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup.
“Being at this club at this point in my career is ideal for me because I have so much room to grow. Being here is truly an honor.
“I’m confident that my best football is still to come. With four competitions remaining, City is in a wonderful position. I genuinely believe I can contribute to their successful second half of the season.
Semenyo was on the verge of making a completely different move seven years ago. Chelsea made a £1 million offer to buy the then-19-year-old from Bristol City during the January 2019 transfer window, but the deal fell through.
Former Bristol City technical director Brian Tinnion told ESPN, “There was just too much potential there to even consider an offer like that.”
Semenyo’s ascent from a peripheral academy prospect to one of the Premier League’s most sought-after attackers was highlighted by Manchester City’s move this week, which activated his release clause before it expired.
Following early defeats at Crystal Palace and Fulham, Semenyo took a temporary hiatus from football to play basketball before making a comeback through a tryout at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre.
His path through non-league football and loan stints ultimately resulted in a Premier League breakthrough, which culminated in his well-publicized transfer to Manchester City.
