Manchester City moves to sign Antoine Semenyo for £65m in January

Manchester City is close to announcing the signing of striker Antoine Semenyo, from Bournemouth, in the January transfer window. The 25-year-old’s Representantes is expected to reach Manchester this Monday, December 29, to finalize the personal terms of a long-term contract. The negotiation involves the payment of the termination clause set at 65 million pounds, equivalent to around 408 million reais.

The clause is specifically valid between January 1st and 10th, which explains the Citizens’s rush to conclude the agreement before the official opening of the market. City was the only club to make formal contact with Bournemouth, overcoming previous interests from rivals such as Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham.

Semenyo has stood out in the Premier League this season, with eight goals and three assists in 17 games played. Sua versatility in attack, playing on the wings or as a reference, attracted the attention of major English clubs.

BREAKING: Manchester City open talks with Bournemouth to negotiate the finer points of Antoine Semenyo’s £65m release clause 💬pic.twitter.com/C6keI7MTS4

—Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL)December 29, 2025

Semenyo’s performance in the season

Antoine Semenyo started the 2025/26 campaign impressively, scoring in important games and directly contributing to Bournemouth’s points. Ele has eight goals in Premier League, positioning himself among the competition’s top scorers. Além In addition, the Ghanaian registered three assists, demonstrating his ability to create in addition to finishing.

Its evolution since arriving at Bournemouth, in 2023, from Bristol City, is remarkable. Semenyo has already played more than 100 games for the club, with 30 goals and 13 assists in total. Nesta season, he has been a fundamental part of the Andoni Iraola scheme, helping the team maintain a comfortable position in the table.

• Eight goals in 17 matches in the Premier League.
• Three assists recorded so far.
• Direct participation in more than 30% of Bournemouth’s goals in the season.
• Two goals in recent clashes, including against big teams.

Competition in the transfer market

Several clubs showed interest in Semenyo before Natal, but only Manchester City came forward with concrete proposals. Chelsea held initial consultations, but withdrew after evaluating their attack options. Tottenham also redirected attention to other targets, leaving the way clear for Pep Guardiola’s team.

Liverpool and Manchester United maintained monitoring, but did not formalize contacts with Bournemouth. Semenyo’s preference for projects that offer chances of titles weighed in on the choice for City. Fontes indicate that similar salary packages were offered by interested parties, but the sporting aspect prevailed.

Bournemouth, in turn, prefers to keep the player for early games in 2026, such as against Arsenal and Tottenham. However, activating the clause obliges the club to release the athlete if the amount is paid.

Details of ongoing negotiation

Talks between Manchester City and Bournemouth have progressed quickly in recent weeks. The Etihad Stadium club began discussions about paying the clause, aiming to reinforce the offensive sector. Semenyo offers speed, physical strength and the ability to play in multiple positions in attack, complementing the current squad.

The arrival of the player’s representatives at Manchester marks a decisive stage for personal agreement. Espera is a long-term contract, in line with City’s policy of investing in athletes in their 20s. The operation represents the first major movement of the Citizens in the January window.

Strategic reinforcements in City

The signing of Semenyo meets the need for greater depth in attack, especially on the wings. Manchester City looks for options to support Erling Haaland and improve fast transitions. Guardiola sees the Ghanaian as a versatile profile, capable of contributing in counterattacks and offensive phases.

In addition to the attack, the club is monitoring other positions for 2026. In midfield, there is a search for qualified reserves, considering recent injuries. In defense, names like Marc Guéhi are noted for future planning.

• Immediate reinforcement in the offensive sector with a player proven in Premier League.
• Investment aligned with the club’s long-term strategy.
• Maintenance of parts such as Savinho and Omar Marmoush in the cast.

Position of Bournemouth in transfer

Andoni Iraola, coach of Bournemouth, expressed his desire to count on Semenyo for as long as possible. The coach highlighted the player’s commitment to the team despite the speculation. The club accepts the possibility of sale due to the clause, but plans to replace it if the transfer goes through.

Bournemouth have a history of trading stars, such as Dominic Solanke for Tottenham. The revenue from the sale can be reinvested in reinforcements to maintain competitiveness in Premier League.

Bournemouth faces a challenging schedule in early 2026. Semenyo must be listed for matches against Chelsea, Arsenal and

Profile and trajectory of Antoine Semenyo

Born in Londres and of Ghanaian descent, Semenyo chose to defend the selection of Gana internationally. Ele started his career at Bristol City, where he stood out at Championship before transferring to Bournemouth in 2023. Sua’s quick adaptation to Premier League caught the attention of European scouts.

At 25 years old, the striker is entering the phase of football maturity. Sua ability to dribble, finish with both feet and pressure opponents makes him a valuable target. Especialistas highlight his intensity in ball recoveries and defensive contributions.

Semenyo renewed his contract with Bournemouth in the summer, including a clause to facilitate future movement. Sua current season exceeds expectations, with goals in recent sequence.

The possible transfer to Manchester City represents a significant step forward in Semenyo’s career. Ele seeks an environment for winning trophies, aligned with the Pep Guardiola project. The player remains focused on current commitments with Bournemouth while negotiations continue.