It was a brisk January evening, but inside Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, excitement was reaching fever pitch. The Premier League champions had just pulled off a historic signing, securing Ghana international Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth for a staggering £65 million – the largest fee ever paid for a Ghanaian footballer.
The move was set in motion earlier in the week when City activated Semenyo’s release clause. By Thursday, January 8, 2026, the 26-year-old had completed his medical, capping off a whirlwind few days that began with a dramatic winning goal for Bournemouth against Tottenham Hotspur – his final act for the Cherries.
Semenyo didn’t have to look far for suitors. Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham had all been linked with the forward, but it was Manchester City who moved decisively, becoming the only club to officially trigger the release clause. The deal was sealed with a five-and-a-half-year contract, tying Semenyo to City until 2031.
Speaking after putting pen to paper, a beaming Semenyo shared his excitement: “I am so proud to have joined Manchester City. This is a club with world-class players, world-class facilities, and one of the greatest managers ever. I believe City can take my game to the next level, and my best football is still to come.”
Semenyo’s rise has been meteoric. Since joining Bournemouth from Bristol City in January 2023, he has made 110 appearances and has become renowned as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic forwards. This season alone, he netted 10 league goals, including a memorable brace against Liverpool and that last-minute winner versus Spurs.
Bristol City, his former club, is celebrating too – they smartly negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on clause when selling Semenyo to Bournemouth for around £10 million. Now, with the record-breaking transfer, the Robins are set for a welcome windfall.
For City, the arrival of Semenyo promises to inject fresh pace, strength, and versatility into their attacking ranks. And while he settles into life in Manchester, Semenyo is expected to maintain his crucial role with the Ghana Black Stars, having already amassed over 30 international caps and representing his nation at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
With the ink barely dry on his contract, all eyes will be on Semenyo as he embarks on a new chapter in sky blue, ready to chase trophies and carve his name into Manchester City’s storied history.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
