Manchester City have moved quickly to reinforce their attacking options after sealing the signing of Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth on a long-term deal.
The Premier League champions confirmed on Friday that the 26-year-old winger has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract, committing his future to the Etihad Stadium until 2031.
Announcing the deal on their official website, City hailed Semenyo’s rapid rise in English football and his growing reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous attacking players.
“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 joins Pep Guardiola’s side after an impressive spell at Bournemouth, where he established himself as a key attacking figure following his arrival midway through the 2022/23 season. He went on to make 110 appearances for the Cherries, earning widespread attention for his pace, power and direct style of play.
“Antoine has enjoyed a meteoric rise to become one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards,” City added in their statement.
Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Semenyo began his professional career at Bristol City before gaining valuable experience through loan spells at Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland. His performances, particularly on the left side of an attacking midfield trio at Bournemouth, eventually attracted interest from the reigning champions.
Reacting to the move, Semenyo described joining City as a dream step in his career.
“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City,” he said. “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. It’s a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep,” he added.
The Ghana international said the timing of the move felt perfect, insisting his best football is still ahead of him.
“I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club at this stage of my career is perfect for me,” Semenyo said. “My best football is yet to come, and City are still competing on four fronts. I really feel I can help the team 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 and show everyone what I can do.”
City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana, revealed that Semenyo was the club’s priority target during the January transfer window.
“Antoine is a really exciting signing for the football club,” Viana said. “He made it clear straight away that City was the club he wanted to join.
“He has huge quality — two great feet, pace, power and a real habit of influencing games. Importantly, he also has room for growth and development. We watch players all over the world, and Antoine was the one we most wanted. He is humble, hard-working, professional and totally focused on improving. He is ideal for us.”
Semenyo will be available for immediate selection and could make his debut in City’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg clash against Newcastle next Tuesday.