Antoine Semenyo arrives at Manchester City ahead of £65million transfer
Antoine Semenyo touched down at Manchester Airport this morning ahead of completing his £65million transfer to Manchester City, reports BritPanorama.
The 26-year-old Ghanaian forward left Bournemouth at 7.18am and landed approximately 40 minutes later, arriving by black private jet. Semenyo is set to undergo his medical today before finalising the contract with Pep Guardiola’s side.
The transfer package comprises an initial £62.5million fee to the Cherries, along with additional performance-related bonuses and a sell-on clause. Semenyo emerged as the Premier League’s most sought-after player once details of his release clause became public.
He concluded his Bournemouth career with a dramatic farewell, scoring a 95th-minute winner against Tottenham in a 3-2 victory on Wednesday evening. This late strike not only secured the win but also marked his final touch in Bournemouth colours after two seasons.
His departure signifies a remarkable journey for Semenyo, who originally joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023 for approximately £10million. Manager Andoni Iraola commended Semenyo’s exemplary behaviour throughout the transfer process, noting that “it’s not easy to do what he has done.”
Iraola praised the forward’s commitment, saying, “He was ready to give what we needed. We could keep him until the last second and it is fair that he leaves with the feeling he has at the end.” He described Semenyo as “an incredible player” and “a big miss, a player you cannot replace.”
Semenyo has demonstrated outstanding form, registering 10 goals in 21 matches this season following a tally of 13 goals in 42 appearances last season. His performances drew attention from several elite clubs, with Chelsea reportedly trying for a late approach to disrupt City’s deal, while Liverpool and Manchester United also showed interest. As City navigates a challenging phase, having drawn three consecutive matches including a 1-1 result against Brighton, Semenyo’s arrival adds an intriguing dynamic to Guardiola’s squad.
In the world of football, every transfer tells its own story, and Semenyo’s journey from the south coast to the Etihad embodies the dizzying pace of change in the Premier League. His move serves as a reminder that with opportunity comes expectation, and the spotlight will now firmly be on how he adapts to new challenges in the blue half of Manchester.
