Manchester City thought signing Antoine Semenyo would help them catch Arsenal in the Premier League title race. Instead, some experts believe the deal may have hurt City at a very important time. Former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson says the club made a mistake by allowing Semenyo to keep playing for Bournemouth before his move was completed. With City already behind Arsenal in the league, this decision may now prove costly.
🚨 Antoine Semenyo is tempted by a move to Arsenal — and has distanced himself from a switch to Tottenham Hotspur. 🔴⚪️
📊 The Bournemouth forward has 6 goals and 3 assists in the Premier League this season — and with a £65M release clause active until January 10, a transfer… pic.twitter.com/z3T33UVWlK
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 10, 2025
Antoine Semenyo and the Big Transfer Decision
Manchester City signed Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for a big fee. The deal was worth £62.5 million, with another £1.5 million possible in add-ons. The Ghana international winger joined City during a tough period for the club, as injuries affected their attack.
At the time of the transfer, City agreed to let Semenyo finish a few more matches for Bournemouth. This included games against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham. While this helped Bournemouth, it meant City could not use their new player right away.
During the same period, City struggled. They dropped points against Sunderland, Chelsea, and Brighton. These results allowed Arsenal to stay six points clear at the top of the table. In a close title race, even one or two points can make a big difference.
Stefan Borson believes City could have avoided this problem. He feels the club should have brought Semenyo in earlier instead of waiting for a “friendly” agreement with Bournemouth.
Why Antoine Semenyo Playing for Bournemouth Hurt Man City
The biggest moment came in Semenyo’s final game for Bournemouth. He scored a last-minute winner in a 3-2 win over Tottenham. It was a dramatic goal that helped Bournemouth but hurt Manchester City’s title hopes.
Speaking to Football Insider, Stefan Borson said City paid the price for this decision. He explained that Semenyo scored a very low-chance goal late in the game, while City failed to beat Brighton at home on the same weekend. According to Borson, this cost the city two valuable points.
Borson said City needed attacking players badly because of injuries. In his view, Semenyo could have helped Guardiola’s team during those matches. Instead, City waited and lost ground to Arsenal.
While City still signed the player they wanted, Borson feels that waiting was not the best choice when the league race is so tight.
Fans React to the Semenyo Debate
Manchester City fans have shared mixed opinions. Many are happy with Semenyo’s early performances and believe he will be important later in the season. Others feel frustrated that the club did not act faster.
On social media, some fans questioned why City allowed a new signing to play against top teams first. Arsenal supporters, meanwhile, have enjoyed watching City drop points while their lead stays safe.
The story has started a bigger debate about January transfers. Fans are asking whether clubs should always bring players in as soon as possible instead of making flexible deals.
What This Means for the Title Race
Despite the criticism, Semenyo has started well at City. He scored on his debut in a huge 10-1 FA Cup win over Exeter City. He also scored against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
These goals show why City wanted him so badly. He is fast, strong, and dangerous in front of goal. He could still play a major role in the title race.
However, Arsenal remain six points clear. The city now has less room for mistakes. Every match matters, and every point counts.
Looking Ahead
Antoine Semenyo could still help Manchester City win trophies this season. But as Stefan Borson says, the delay in his arrival may already have helped Arsenal. From now on, City must be perfect if they want to catch the league leaders.
As featured on ManCityNews.com
As featured on GoonerNews.com