Bristol City could have a big January after a huge Antoine Semenyo windfall.placeholder image
Bristol City could have a big January after a huge Antoine Semenyo windfall. | Getty Images
Bristol City have received a massive windfall from the Manchester City signing of Antoine Semenyo
Bristol City have hit the jackpot this January after former star Antoine Semenyo was sold by Bournemouth to Manchester City for £64 million following an outstanding individual season for the Ghana international.
The fact that the 26-year-old’s value has risen so quickly is testament to the top-class Premier League player he has become, potential which was clearly seen by Bristol City, who gave him a chance following several academy rejections as a teenager and made sure to include a sell-on clause when he was eventually sold by the West Country club.
Southampton striker headlines Bristol City’s Semenyo windfall prediction
We asked AI to predict who Bristol City could sign this January following their £10.5m Semenyo windfall, with some interesting and rather astute options suggested as the Robins look to strengthen their squad for the spring run-in.
First of all, Grok suggested that Bristol City could make a move for Southampton striker Cameron Archer, who has been out of favour at St. Mary’s this term and might be available for a mid-season move. The 24-year-old signed from Sheffield United for £15m in summer 2024 but has made just six Championship starts this campaign, with Adam Armstrong often preferred through the centre by boss Tonda Eckert.
The AI states that an ‘ambitious’ move for Archer could set the Robins back £6m-£8m. His arrival would add significant firepower to Struber’s strike-force, which has at times lacked the clinical edge necessary for a promotion push. Previously viewed as a striker with a big future in the Premier League after he came through at Aston Villa, Archer no doubt has what it takes to score goals in the second tier if given enough game time.
AI predicts Middlesbrough and Aston Villa stars to complete Robins moves
Bristol City may launch a double striker swoop according to AI, which feels that they will get a deal over the line for Middlesbrough frontman Delano Burgzorg. The Robins have been linked with the 27-year-old this month following his struggles to nail down a first-team place at promotion-chasing Boro and could seal a deal for £3m, according to Grok.
The Robins are also touted by AI to secure a move for another former Villa Park academy graduate in Finley Munroe, a 20-year-old left-back who has shone this term on loan at Swindon Town. Reports by BBC Sport state that Bristol City and Middlesbrough have both lodged bids for the prospect, who could be recalled by Villa and sold permanently this window.
Munroe has stood out for League Two promotion-chasers Swindon this term and while the step up to the Championship may be steep, the versatile defender – who is the cousin of Arsenal’s Declan Rice – has evidently been identified as a player with a big future at the top level. The Robins’ bid is stated to be around £350,000 according to the BBC, while Grok claims he can be secured for ‘under £2m’ – suggesting that a bidding war may be set to take place.
While the three predicted purchases may set Bristol City back slightly more than £10.5m, the trio could play a key role if a play-off push is to take place at Ashton Gate once again.
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