When the January transfer window opened, many people expected Manchester City to stay calm, careful, and patient, as they usually do. Pep Guardiola is not known for panic buying, and City are not a club that rushes into deals without deep planning. But on a cold Friday afternoon in January 2026, everything changed. Manchester City officially announced the signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, and suddenly the whole football world was talking again. This was not just another transfer. This was a statement. A loud one.
Antoine Semenyo signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with Manchester City in a deal worth £64 million. The guaranteed fee stands at £62.5 million, with an extra £1.5 million in performance-related add-ons. It was a deal that took City’s spending over the last 12 months to a staggering £425.9 million, with 14 new players arriving in that period alone. Once again, Manchester City reminded everyone that they are always ready to act when the moment is right.
For Semenyo himself, the move was emotional, exciting, and deeply meaningful. Speaking shortly after the deal was confirmed, the Ghana international could barely hide his joy. He said he was “over the moon” to become a Manchester City player. Those words were not said lightly. This was the biggest move of his career so far, and he knew it.
Semenyo explained that he believes his best football is still ahead of him. At 26 years old, he feels this is the perfect moment to take a huge step forward. Manchester City, still competing in four competitions and fighting on multiple fronts, offered him the platform he wanted. He truly believes he can help the team push strongly through the second half of the season.
Pep Guardiola wasted no time confirming that Semenyo would be involved immediately. The City manager announced that the new signing would be part of the matchday squad for the FA Cup clash against Exeter, just one day after completing his medical. That alone showed how highly Guardiola already rates him. There was no talk of easing him in slowly or waiting weeks. Semenyo is ready now.
The battle to sign Semenyo was fierce. Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham all showed strong interest. Each of those clubs believed Semenyo could add something special to their attack. But in the end, Manchester City won the race. According to City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, the player made his choice very clear from the beginning. Semenyo wanted City. No hesitation. No long negotiations over personal terms. His heart was set on the Etihad.
Viana revealed that Semenyo’s enthusiasm for the club stood out immediately. From the first conversation, it was obvious he wanted to be part of Guardiola’s project. For City, that attitude matters just as much as talent. They want players who believe in the vision, who are hungry to improve, and who are ready to fight for their place in a squad full of world-class stars.
The deal itself was carefully structured. Although Semenyo had a £65 million release clause, City managed to agree a slightly lower guaranteed fee of £62.5 million, paid over 24 months. Bournemouth also secured a 10 percent sell-on clause, ensuring they could benefit again in the future if Semenyo is sold for an even higher fee. It was smart business for both sides.
Interestingly, the guaranteed part of Semenyo’s release clause was actually £60 million, but Bournemouth will now receive more than that. This reflects how valuable the player had become and how strong City’s desire was to secure him immediately. Bournemouth had managed to keep him for an extra six months after summer interest, and this January sale ended up being bigger than any offer they received before.
Semenyo’s final act in a Bournemouth shirt was nothing short of dramatic. In his last match for the club, he scored a stunning stoppage-time winner to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory over Tottenham. The goal felt like a perfect farewell. Just hours later, he was on his way to Manchester to complete his medical and begin the next chapter of his career.
Behind the scenes, Bournemouth are also celebrating. Semenyo’s departure is part of a remarkable period of player sales for the club. In the last six months alone, Bournemouth have earned £266.5 million from transfers. Big names like Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi, and Dango Ouattara have all moved on for huge fees. Semenyo’s sale fits into that pattern of smart recruitment and profitable exits.
There is also a benefit for Bristol City, who will receive 20 percent of any profit made on Semenyo. Having sold him to Bournemouth in January 2023 for around £10 million, they now stand to gain significantly from his rise to the top of the Premier League.
On the pitch, Semenyo leaves Bournemouth with his head held high. This season alone, he scored 10 Premier League goals and provided three assists. His performances were powerful, direct, and often decisive. He showed pace, strength, and confidence, regularly troubling defenders and influencing games.
Speaking again after joining City, Semenyo described the move as a real privilege. He talked about watching Manchester City dominate English football over the past decade under Pep Guardiola. He spoke with admiration about the trophies, the standards, and the culture of excellence. For him, joining City is not just about money or fame. It is about learning, improving, and reaching the highest possible level.
He praised the world-class facilities, the world-class players, and the presence of one of the greatest managers in football history. He admitted that he still has a lot to improve, and that is exactly why this move feels perfect at this stage of his career. The Etihad Stadium is now his home, and he cannot wait to play in front of City fans and show them what he can do.
Hugo Viana echoed those sentiments when he described Semenyo as the player City wanted most. He highlighted Semenyo’s two-footed ability, pace, power, and natural influence on matches. More importantly, he stressed that Semenyo still has room to grow. City are not just buying the player he is now, but the player he can become over the nxt few years.
Pep Guardiola was equally enthusiastic. In his press conference, he made it clear that many clubs wanted Semenyo, but City were chosen because of the project and the football. Guardiola praised Semenyo’s ability to play on both wings, his understanding of the Premier League, and his technical quality. He confirmed that the new signing would be involved straight away, even if he does not start.
Guardiola also pointed out that City do not have too many players available right now, which makes Semenyo’s quick integration even more important. He believes Semenyo will adapt fast because the squad environment is exceptional and supportive.
This signing also highlights the scale of Manchester City’s spending in recent years. Since the 2016/17 season, the club has spent around £1.75 billion on transfers. In just the last 12 months, they have added names like Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and now Antoine Semenyo. It is a clear sign that City are constantly refreshing and evolving, never standing still.
For City fans, the excitement is real. Semenyo brings something different. He brings raw power mixed with intelligence, hunger, and experience. He arrives ready to compete, not to sit on the bench quietly. His signing adds depth, flexibility, and fresh energy to Guardiola’s attack.
As the season moves into its most intense phase, Manchester City have once again shown why they are always one step ahead. Antoine Semenyo’s arrival is not just a transfer. It is a message to rivals, a boost to the squad, and a dream come true for a player who believes his best is yet to come. The story is only just beginning.
