Man City have completed the signing of Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouthplaceholder image
Man City have completed the signing of Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth | Manchester City FC
Manchester City have completed their first signing of the January transfer window.
Man City have completed the signing of Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth in a transfer worth £62.5 million. The 26-year-old has signed an initial five-and-a-half-year deal, which will see him stay at the Etihad Stadium until June 2031. City won the race to sign the talented forward after strong interest from both Manchester United and Liverpool this month.
Semenyo had a £65m release clause in his Bournemouth contract that had to be activated by 10 January, but City agreed a financial package outside of that fee. City will pay an initial £62.5m in installments, with a further £1.5m in performance related add-ons. The transfer also includes a 10% future sale profit to Bournemouth, something they would not have received if a club had matched the flat release clause.
The Ghana international is eligible to make his Man City debut when they host Exeter City in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon and is also eligible to play in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle on Tuesday night.
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Semenyo squad number confirmed
Antoine Semenyo wore the No.24 shirt for AFC Bournemouth but has reverted to his first-ever squad number at Man City. His preferred shirt number is currently occupied by Josko Gvardiol, so Semenyo has reverted to the No.42 he wore when he made his senior debut for Bristol City in May 2018.
It is also a significant shirt in the history of City, and was worn famously by Yaya Toure during his historic spell with the club. “It was my first number at Bristol City when I first signed and that always stuck with me,” Semenyo said. “It was either 42 or 24, and 24 wasn’t available so I went back to my first number. That was the inspiration behind it.”
Speaking after his transfer was made official on Friday morning, Semenyo also shared his delight to join such a huge club as he enters the prime of his playing career. He added: “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.
“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.”
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