Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth, completing the deal on a long-term contract.
In a statement on their website on Friday, the Premier League club announced that the 26-year-old had signed a five-and-a-half-year deal, which will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031.
“Manchester City are delighted to confirm the signing of Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth. The 26-year-old has penned a five-and-a-half-year deal, which will see him stay at the Etihad Stadium through to 2031,” the club said.
Semenyo arrives after an impressive rise in the Premier League, having developed into one of the division’s most feared attacking players during his time at Bournemouth.
“Semenyo has enjoyed a meteoric rise to become one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards,” Man City said in the statement.
The winger made 110 appearances for the Cherries after joining them midway through the 2022/23 season.
Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Semenyo began his professional career at Bristol City and further developed through loan spells at Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland before making his mark in the top flight.
Mainly operating on the left side of an attacking midfield trio, his performances at Bournemouth earned him widespread attention, with City eventually securing his signature.
Reacting to the move, Semenyo expressed pride at joining Pep Guardiola’s side.
“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,” he said.,
The Ghana international added that he believes his best years are still ahead of him.
“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,” he said.
“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’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana, said Semenyo was the club’s top target during the January window.
“Antoine is a really exciting signing for the football club,” Viana said. “He made it clear to us immediately that it was City he wanted to join.
“He has huge quality. Two great feet, pace, power, a habit of influencing games, and, importantly, real room for growth and development.
“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.”
Semenyo will be available for immediate selection and is eligible to feature in City’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg tie against Newcastle next Tuesday.
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