In a major Premier League transfer coup, Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo has completed a £62.5 million move to Manchester City from Bournemouth, firmly turning down rival interest from Liverpool. The deal, finalised on Friday, 9th January 2026, saw City activate a release clause in his Cherries contract.
"City He Wanted to Join": The Inside Story
Manchester City's technical director, Hugo Viana, has disclosed that the 25-year-old made his ambitions crystal clear from the outset. Viana stated that Semenyo expressed a singular desire to join Pep Guardiola's reigning champions, despite concrete approaches from other top-flight clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United.
"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. His enthusiasm for this football club has been clear throughout the process." Viana praised the player's pace, power, and two-footed ability, highlighting his "real room for growth and development" as a key factor in the pursuit.
Semenyo's Perfect Fit at the Etihad
Speaking after the transfer was confirmed, Antoine Semenyo explained his decision, describing the switch to the Etihad Stadium as "perfect" for his career trajectory. He pointed to City's sustained dominance under Guardiola as a primary motivator.
"I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League," Semenyo remarked. "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." The forward, confident his best years are ahead, added: "I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me."
Liverpool Links and a Late Twist That Wasn't
The transfer saga featured notable speculation linking Semenyo with a move to Anfield. Pundit and former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp even hinted at a potential late twist following the player's final appearance for Bournemouth.
Redknapp suggested the deal to City might not be a "foregone conclusion," sparking brief hopes of an alternative outcome for Liverpool fans. However, Semenyo's unwavering preference for City and the swift activation of his clause ensured the move proceeded as initially planned, solidifying a significant addition to Guardiola's attacking options for the second half of the season.
With this major signing, Manchester City have secured a highly-rated Premier League-proven talent who is determined to prove himself on the biggest stage, having consciously chosen the blue half of Manchester over its historic rivals.
