Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo has said he wants to “rewrite history again” after completing a high-profile move to Manchester City from Bournemouth in a deal reported to be worth £65 million ($87 million).
The 26-year-old forward, who has scored 10 Premier League goals this season, has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with the reigning English giants, becoming the first major signing of the January transfer window. Semenyo attracted interest from several top clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, before opting for a move to the Etihad Stadium. His Bournemouth release clause was understood to expire on Saturday.
Speaking after completing the transfer, Semenyo expressed admiration for City’s dominance under manager Pep Guardiola over the past decade.
“I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League, as well as achieving amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup,” Semenyo said.
“They have set the highest standards. It’s a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever.”
The London-born attacker said he is eager to be part of City’s rebuilding phase following a relatively disappointing season last year and the departure of several senior players.
“I feel I’m improving, but there are so many young players here who I think will be top players,” he added. “I want to be part of that, and I want to rewrite history again.”
Semenyo arrives at City on the back of an impressive spell at Bournemouth, where his final contribution was a spectacular stoppage-time winner in Wednesday’s 3–2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Since joining the Cherries in 2023, he has developed into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous wide attackers under head coach Andoni Iraola.
Manchester City, dethroned as Premier League champions by Liverpool last season, are seeking to strengthen their squad as they chase silverware on four fronts in 2026. Guardiola’s side currently trail league leaders Arsenal by six points and remain in contention in the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Champions League.
City’s need for attacking reinforcements has been heightened by injuries to Savinho and the absence of Omar Marmoush, who is on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Semenyo’s rise to the top has been described as meteoric. Earlier in his career, he spent time on loan away from Bristol City before earning a permanent move to the Premier League, where his pace, power and versatility have caught the attention of Europe’s elite.
Guardiola confirmed that Semenyo would be included in City’s squad for their FA Cup clash against third-tier Exeter City on Saturday.
“Everybody knows his qualities,” Guardiola said. “He was playing extraordinarily at Bournemouth in the last few years and can play on both sides. He’s the perfect age—his best years are still to come. All clubs try to bring in young players, but he will make his career and best years here.”
Meanwhile, City are also monitoring the transfer market for defensive reinforcements following injuries to key centre-backs Rúben Dias and Joško Gvardiol. Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is reportedly a leading target.
