Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for £64 million to kickstart the 2026 January transfer window on Friday morning.
The 26-year-old forward has penned a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium, with City seeing off competition from the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea to Semenyo’s signature.
Bournemouth saw the Ghana international pay a heroic farewell to the Vitality Stadium on his final appearance for the club in midweek as Semenyo netted an injury-time winner in the Cherries’ 3-2 Premier League win over Tottenham.
Semenyo passed a medical in Manchester on Thursday and underwent customary media and contract signing duties, penning a five-and-a-half year deal at the Etihad Stadium that will run till the end of the 2030-31 campaign.
City have made a major statement midway through their title challenge against Arsenal as Pep Guardiola welcomes one of the Premier League’s most proven attackers to his frontline, with the Blues still competing on all fronts.
With City making Semenyo their first signing of 2026, here is everything you need to know about the deal.
What are the terms of Antoine Semenyo’s move to Manchester City from Bournemouth?
Manchester City have agreed to pay £62.5 million and a further £1.5 million to Bournemouth over the next 24 months, as revealed by David Ornstein of The Athletic in the days leading to official confirmation of the transfer.
Semenyo had a release clause worth £65 million that could be paid up front and activated before January 10, but City managed to strike an agreement with executives at the Vitality Stadium outside the release clause.
The Ghanian has signed a five-and-a-half year deal with Manchester City and is expected to earn around £150,000 per-week – a significant increase from his wages at Bournemouth.
What has Antoine Semenyo said upon joining Manchester City?
Upon signing his Manchester City contract, Semenyo said: “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.”
What has Hugo Viana said about the completed deal?
Viana said: “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.”
What shirt number has Antoine Semenyo selected at Manchester City?
Semenyo will wear the number 42 shirt at Manchester City – a jersey previously worn by club legend Yaya Toure.
Are there any clauses involved in the deal?
City have struck a payment agreement with Bournemouth outside Semenyo’s £65 million release clause that was valid till January 10.
The Blues will pay the agreed £62.5 million + £1.5 million in bonuses over the next two years, with Bournemouth also holding a 10 percent sell-on clause in Semenyo’s Manchester City contract.
When could Antoine Semenyo make his debut for Manchester City?
Semenyo could be in line to make his Manchester City debut in Saturday afternoon’s FA Cup third-round clash against Exeter City, where Guardiola and co will be desperate to mark their first victory of 2026.
Guardiola is expected to react to the signing of the Ghana international when he previews the cup tie in a press conference on Friday afternoon.
Are any further signings expected from Manchester City?
In the wake of injuries to centre-half pairing Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, City have stepped up their pursuit of Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi, who could be available for £35-40 million in January.
City have understood to have scheduled formal talks with the Eagles over the 25-year-old defender in the coming days, with Liverpool also in the running to sign Guehi after nearly securing his arrival from Selhurst Park last summer.