Manchester City Close In on £65m Antoine Semenyo Deal
Manchester City have moved to the brink of securing the signing of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, with a £65 million release clause now close to being activated ahead of the January transfer window.
The Ghana international has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most in-demand attackers, and City have surged ahead of Manchester United and Liverpool in the race. An agreement is now understood to be in principle, with paperwork being prepared as Pep Guardiola looks set to add another proven top-flight scorer to his squad.
Interest in Semenyo has been building for months. United have tracked the 25-year-old closely, while Liverpool’s name entered the conversation amid continued uncertainty around Mohamed Salah’s long-term future. City, however, have moved decisively and are pushing to complete the deal early in 2026.
The timing is significant. Semenyo has already scored nine league goals this season after netting 13 last term, underlining his steady development since Bournemouth signed him from Bristol City for £10 million in January 2023. His rise has coincided with City seeking greater depth and flexibility in wide attacking areas.
Momentum around the deal accelerated after reports from Ben Jacobs indicated that the transfer was agreed in principle, with both clubs in the process of drafting documentation. Further clarity is expected imminently, suggesting the move could be finalized swiftly if no complications arise.
Guardiola, typically guarded on transfer matters, has publicly downplayed developments, insisting there is no concrete news while the window remains closed. Behind the scenes, however, City appear ready to meet the clause in full, leaving Bournemouth with limited leverage.
On the pitch, Semenyo has remained focused despite the noise. His performances have continued to drive Bournemouth’s attacking play, with his pace, power, and direct running central to Andoni Iraola’s system. The winger has acknowledged awareness of the speculation but remains committed to delivering goals and consistency.
Bournemouth, for their part, are reluctant sellers. Iraola has stressed the importance of Semenyo ahead of a demanding run that includes a home fixture against league leaders Arsenal. The Cherries have already drawn 2-2 at Chelsea and are keen to maintain momentum with their talisman available.
The decisive factor may ultimately be contractual. If City formally trigger the £65 million clause, Bournemouth will be obliged to allow the move. While paperwork may not be completed in time for Semenyo to feature for his prospective new club against Chelsea this weekend, there is growing belief that his final appearance on the south coast could already be approaching.
For City, the deal represents another statement of intent as they plan for the second half of the season. For Semenyo, it would mark a rapid ascent from Championship football to the Etihad Stadium, and a chance to test his form at the very highest level of the Premier League.