Manchester City have completed the signing of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, the club have confirmed.
The 26 year old has joined the Etihad Stadium for an initial fee of £62.5 million, with a further £1.5 million payable in add ons.
Semenyo has signed a five year and six month contract running until 2031 after completing a medical on Thursday.
The Ghana international has been registered in time for the weekend and could make his City debut in the FA Cup third round tie against League One side Exeter City on Saturday.
He will also be eligible for the Carabao Cup semifinal first leg against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Tuesday.
City director of football Hugo Viana said Semenyo became the club’s top transfer priority following an impressive spell at Bournemouth.
“We are constantly watching players all over the world. Antoine was the one we most wanted,” Viana said.
“He has shown he can perform in the Premier League. He is humble, hard working, professional and totally focused on being a better footballer. He is ideal for us.”
Semenyo departs Bournemouth after scoring 10 goals in 20 Premier League appearances this season and arrives aiming to help City push for silverware in the second half of the campaign.
“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City,” Semenyo said.
“I 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.
“I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It’s a real privilege to be here.
“My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that. City are in a great position, still involved in four competitions. I really feel I can help them have a strong second half of the season.”
Seven years ago, Semenyo was close to a very different move. During the January 2019 transfer window, Chelsea offered £1 million to sign the then 19 year old from Bristol City, but the deal failed to materialise.
“There was just too much potential there to even consider an offer like that,” former Bristol City technical director Brian Tinnion told ESPN.
Manchester City’s move this week activated Semenyo’s release clause before it expired, underlining his rise from a fringe academy prospect to one of the Premier League’s most sought after attackers.
After early setbacks at Fulham and Crystal Palace, Semenyo briefly stepped away from football to play basketball before returning via a trial at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre.
His journey through non league football and loan spells eventually led to a Premier League breakthrough, culminating in his high profile move to Manchester City.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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