**Manchester City have announced the signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth on a long-term contract on Friday morning.**
The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most capable attackers in recent seasons at the Vitality Stadium, having scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 20 Premier League appearances already this term.
Pep Guardiola is understood to have personally driven Manchester City’s pursuit of the Ghana international, who has signed a five-and-a-half year deal at the Etihad Stadium as he becomes the Blues’ first signing of the 2026 January transfer window.
City have agreed to pay £62.5 + £1.5 million over the next 24 months to Bournemouth – an alternative payment structure to the £65 million release clause that could be paid up front before January 10. The Cherries have also inserted a 10 percent sell-on clause in Semenyo’s Manchester City contract.
Semenyo bid a fairytale farewell to the Vitality Stadium faithful in midweek as he scored an injury-time winner in Bournemouth’s 3-2 win over Tottenham on Wednesday evening – before travelling to Manchester on Thursday morning formedical contract signing duties.
Manchester City have gotten their hands of one of the Premier League’s most sought-after homegrown talents, with Semenyo bolstering a frontline that has lacked inspiration at times in recent months and been over-reliant on Erling Haaland in the final third.
Upon becoming a Manchester City player, Semenyo said: “I am so proud to have joined Manchester City,” in conversation with the [club’s official channels](https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/antoine-semenyo-transfer-manchester-city-bournemouth-63903542).
“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.
“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.
“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. 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.”
Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana added: “Antoine is a really exciting signing for the football club. He made it clear to us immediately that it was City he wanted to join. His enthusiasm for this football club has been clear throughout the process.
“He has huge quality. Two great feet, pace, power, a habit of influencing games and, importantly, real room for growth and development. I am excited to see the player Antoine can become in the weeks, months and years ahead.
“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.”
Semenyo is Manchester City’s first signing of 2026 and in the wake of concerning injuries to centre-half duo Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, the Blues have intensified their pursuit of Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi, who could be available for £35-40 million this month.