Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo has scored nine goals for Bournemouth this season
Manchester City have kicked off their January spending by agreeing a sensational deal for star Antoine Semenyo. side have confirmed the signing in what is reported as a £62.5million deal.
Semenyo has also agreed terms on a five-and-a-half year contract with City following talks between club chiefs and his representatives. rivals including , and were all credited with an interest in Semenyo but the Ghanaian forward had prioritised a switch to the Etihad.
His move sees him bring to an end a hugely successful spell with Bournemouth. The 25-year-old joined the Cherries from Bristol City in 2023 and he went on to make 110 appearances for the club in all competitions.
He netted 13 goals in the Premier League last term and is already well on the way to surpassing that haul this time around, with his dramatic injury time winner vs Tottenham his 10th of the season.
He had only signed a new deal with Bournemouth in the summer, with that contract due to run until 2030. But he will now become a City player and will hope to help the club to another Premier League crown.
Speaking after his move was made official, Semenyo said: “I am so proud to have joined . I have watched City over the last decade under , and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League as well as achieving amazing things in the , 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.”
City moved quickly to complete a deal and he flew into Manchester on Wednesday to complete his medial, hours after ex-Liverpool star Jamie Redknapp sensationally claimed the Premier League champions could hijack a move.
"I'm not so sure. I've heard there might be a little bit of a twist," Redknapp said on Sky Sports, after Semenyo's winner over Spurs.
Antoine Semenyo
Semenyo has been signed for £65m
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Image:
Getty Images)
Is Antoine Semenyo a good signing for Man City?
"I think Liverpool could still be in the equation. I think that. I've got to be honest, I think if they did come in - why they perhaps haven't come in as strongly, I'm surprised. If you look at that position, with and how long he's going to be at the club for, we don't quite know.
"If you've got a player of that quality and he shows he's a match-winner, he turns up in the big moments. Why wouldn't you be in for him?
"I'm not saying it's a breaking news moment, but all I'm saying is, I've heard tonight that it might not be the forgone conclusion that he's going to be having a medical at Man City. There might still be a little twist and I hope so.”
But his deal with City is now complete, where he will compete with a host of attacking talent. Rayan Cherki has enjoyed a fast start to life with the club, while Jeremy Doku, Bernardo Silva, and Omar Marmoush remain as the club's wide options.
Semenyo's arrival could even see a few stars move on from the club over the . Brazilian Savinho has been linked with a move away, with having emerged as suitors.
Oscar Bobb could also be tempted to look for opportunities elsewhere, having fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad following his long-term injury absence.
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