Manchester City have secured their first signing of the January 2026 transfer window, completing a major deal for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo. The Ghanaian international has moved to the Etihad Stadium for a fee of £62.5 million, signing a long-term contract that will keep him at the club for five and a half years.
City Beat Rivals to Secure Top Target
The Premier League champions faced significant competition for the in-form forward. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United had all registered interest, while Tottenham Hotspur had identified Semenyo as a summer target. However, the player himself was decisive, informing City that they were his preferred destination.
Director of Football Hugo Viana confirmed the player's desire, stating, "He made it clear to us immediately that it was City he wanted to join. His enthusiasm for this football club has been clear throughout this process."
Details of the Landmark Transfer
The complex deal saw City negotiate directly with Bournemouth rather than trigger a £65 million release clause that was active at the start of January. The agreed fee could rise by a further £1.5 million in add-ons. Crucially, the Cherries have also secured a 10 percent sell-on clause, entitling them to a portion of any profit from a future sale.
Semenyo arrives at a crucial time for Pep Guardiola's squad, providing immediate reinforcement on the wing following an injury to Savinho that will sideline him for two months. The new signing could make his debut as soon as Saturday, 10 January 2026, in the FA Cup third-round tie against Exeter City.
Semenyo's Ambition and City's Vision
Upon completing his move, the 25-year-old expressed his pride and ambition. "I am so proud to have joined Manchester City," Semenyo said. "I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola... They have set the highest of standards." He emphasised his belief that his development is far from complete, adding, "I have so much scope for improvement... My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that."
Viana praised Semenyo's attributes and potential, highlighting his "two great feet, pace, power, a habit of influencing games" and, importantly, his "real room for growth and development." He described the player as "humble, hard-working, professional and totally focused on being a better footballer," deeming him "ideal for us."
Semenyo leaves Bournemouth in spectacular fashion, having scored a stunning injury-time winner in a 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday. He departs the Vitality Stadium as the third-highest scorer in the Premier League this season with 10 goals.
This acquisition continues a period of significant investment at the Etihad, with the club having spent more than £400 million on squad overhaul in under a year. Semenyo now joins a City side that remains active in four competitions, with the player confident he can help drive success in the second half of the campaign.
