Manchester City have completed the high-profile signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, paying a £65 million release clause to secure the 26-year-old Ghana international. The move sees City beat Premier League rivals Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Chelsea to his signature, adding another dynamic attacking option for Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Semenyo’s rise has been rapid and impressive, going from Bristol City in 2017 to Manchester City in just three years, and now he enters the Premier League at the peak of his career.
“He’s an extraordinary, extraordinary, extraordinary player,” Guardiola said. “His energy, confidence, and movement are unbelievable. He attacks space so well, and when he has the ball, you feel something will happen. Players like him make this league special – always hungry, always brave.”
Semenyo’s Career Path: From Rejections to Premier League Stardom
London-born Semenyo represents Ghana internationally through his father. His early football journey was not smooth: he was rejected by Arsenal, Tottenham, and Millwall as a youth. Eventually, he joined an academy in the West Country run by former Leeds and Forest Green manager Dave Hockaday.
Bristol City signed Semenyo in 2017, but it took loan spells at Bath, Newport County, and Sunderland before he broke into their first team in 2020-21.
In January 2023, Bournemouth acquired him for £10 million, and he immediately began developing into one of the Premier League’s most explosive wingers. Over 100 league appearances for Bournemouth, Semenyo scored 30 goals, showcasing his goal-scoring ability and consistency.
Why Manchester City Pushed for Semenyo
At £65 million, Semenyo is a cut-price signing for a Premier League winger approaching his prime. Guardiola’s decision to act now was strategic:
- Semenyo is consummately two-footed, able to strike and dribble from either side.
- He offers pace, direct running, and vertical attacking play that differs from current City wingers like Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki.
- Semenyo’s end product is outstanding: 10 Premier League goals and three assists this season, making him the third top scorer in the league behind Erling Haaland and Brentford’s Igor Thiago.
- Shot accuracy of 55%, and 22 goal involvements in 2025 is the most ever by a Bournemouth player in a calendar year.
- 76 attempted dribbles in the season ranks fourth in the top flight.
“He can drive forward with the ball vertically, rather than Doku who comes in and out,” said former England goalkeeper Rob Green. “He can do something different Pep is looking for. Short term they have their own injury problems, so he can help both short term and long term.”
Semenyo’s style brings variety and unpredictability, helping City break down defensive teams and complementing Haaland’s central role.
Tactical Fit at Manchester City
Guardiola has increasingly focused on fast transitions and high-tempo attacks, and Semenyo’s direct style fits seamlessly:
- Bournemouth’s direct attacking style mirrors City’s transition play, making adaptation easier.
- Semenyo’s pace, hold-up ability, decision-making, and two-footed finishing are perfect for attacking down the flanks or cutting inside.
- He provides backup for multiple positions, giving Guardiola solutions during injury crises.
- His presence could free Phil Foden to return to a central role where he’s most effective, boosting goal-scoring support for Haaland.
Guardiola values versatility in wingers to maintain attacking pressure across four competitions. Semenyo strengthens City’s chances to challenge Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
Implications for Other Players
Semenyo’s arrival may trigger changes within City’s squad:
- Savinho or Oscar Bobb could be moved to accommodate him.
- Guardiola now has a fresh, proven goal-scoring winger to rotate alongside Doku, Foden, and Thiago, increasing tactical flexibility.
Semenyo’s Premier League Stats at a Glance
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Goal Involvements | Dribbles Attempted | Shot Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | Bournemouth | 20 | 10 | 3 | 22 | 76 | 55% |
| 2023–25 | Bournemouth | 90 | 20 | 10 | 30 | 220 | 50% |
Semenyo’s consistency, attacking output, and versatility make him a key acquisition for City both immediately and for the long term.
Leave a Reply