Manchester City deal for Antoine Semenyo temporarily delayed as Bournemouth stance strengthens
Manchester City supporters may need to exercise a little more patience before seeing Antoine Semenyo pull on the club’s iconic Sky Blue colours, with the forward’s proposed move from Bournemouth yet to be finalised.
Although negotiations between the two clubs have been widely reported, attention has shifted back to the pitch for now. The Ghana international remains fully involved in Bournemouth’s preparations under Andoni Iraola, a clear indication that the south coast side are keen to maximise his availability while talks continue behind the scenes.
Manchester City’s pursuit of Semenyo has been shaped by Pep Guardiola’s desire to strengthen his attacking options with a forward who offers power, pace, and tactical flexibility. At 25, Semenyo is viewed as a player entering his prime years — a proven Premier League performer capable of making an immediate impact rather than a long-term development project.
From the player’s side, there is little concern surrounding personal terms. Reports suggest a five-year contract has been discussed, alongside a weekly wage believed to be in the region of £150,000, underlining City’s confidence in Semenyo’s ability to contribute straight away.
However, Bournemouth have now received a significant boost after Iraola confirmed that Semenyo will be available for their upcoming home Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Tottenham. This comes despite growing speculation that an agreement with Manchester City was already close.
When asked whether the Arsenal clash could represent Semenyo’s final appearance for the club, Iraola dismissed the suggestion. “No, no,” he said. “The idea is that he will be available for these two home games. I hope he stays longer, but I don’t know what will happen.”
The Bournemouth head coach also pushed back against claims that a deal has been fully agreed. “There’s nothing signed,” Iraola stressed. “There are conversations, of course, but Antoine is our player. I want to keep him for a long time, but we’ll see what happens.”
From Manchester City’s perspective, patience appears to be the chosen strategy. Rather than forcing a swift conclusion, City are expected to allow discussions to progress naturally, mindful of Bournemouth’s desire to maintain leverage for as long as possible.
In the background, work is ongoing to finalise key contractual details. These include the precise timing of the transfer, the structure of any bonuses, and the exact terms surrounding the player’s release clause payment.
While Semenyo is set to feature against both Arsenal and Tottenham, confidence remains within the industry that negotiations are moving in the right direction. The Etihad Stadium is still widely regarded as the most likely destination for the forward before the end of the window.
Conclusion
Antoine Semenyo’s transfer to Manchester City has not collapsed, but it has slowed. Bournemouth’s insistence on keeping the player available for key fixtures has temporarily delayed proceedings, yet all signs continue to point toward a January move. With patience and detailed negotiations now the focus, City remain optimistic that their attacking target will arrive in due course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Antoine Semenyo joining Manchester City?
Yes, Manchester City remain strongly interested and are in active discussions with Bournemouth, though no final agreement has been signed yet.
Why has the transfer been delayed?
Bournemouth want Semenyo available for key Premier League matches against Arsenal and Tottenham, which has slowed the timing of the deal.
Has Semenyo agreed personal terms with Manchester City?
Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, with reports suggesting a five-year contract and a salary around £150,000 per week.
When could the move be completed?
The transfer is still expected to progress this month once paperwork, payment structures, and timing are fully agreed.
