Manchester City Push to Seal Antoine Semenyo Deal as Bournemouth Forward Signals Willingness to Join
Manchester City are accelerating efforts to complete the signing of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, with growing confidence inside the Etihad Stadium that a deal can be finalised during the current transfer window.
The Premier League champions have been carefully assessing the option of triggering Semenyo’s £65 million release clause, which becomes active in January. City’s recruitment team believe the Ghana international fits a clear tactical need as Pep Guardiola looks to strengthen his attacking options amid a demanding title race with Arsenal.
With Jeremy Doku still sidelined through injury and Omar Marmoush away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, City officials have prioritised adding a winger capable of delivering both goals and physical presence. Talks between director of football Hugo Viana and Semenyo’s representatives have intensified in recent weeks as City explore the structure of a potential deal.
Although Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea had all monitored the situation, City have now emerged as clear frontrunners. Chelsea are understood to have stepped away, while Liverpool’s focus has shifted due to injury concerns elsewhere in their squad. United, meanwhile, remain constrained by budget considerations.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Semenyo has made it clear that his preference is to join Manchester City, attracted by the opportunity to compete consistently for major trophies under Pep Guardiola. While Bournemouth have yet to receive a formal bid, they are aware that once the release clause is activated, they would be powerless to block the transfer.
Fabrizio Romano has further reported that City are actively working to conclude the deal, having moved ahead of their domestic rivals in the race for the 25-year-old. Guardiola is keen to reduce the team’s heavy reliance on Erling Haaland by adding another forward with proven Premier League output.
This move also reflects City’s wider evolution following a significant squad overhaul last summer. With several senior figures departing and new faces bedding in, Semenyo is viewed as a player entering his prime who can contribute immediately while also aligning with the club’s long-term vision.
From a tactical perspective, Semenyo offers qualities City currently lack in wide areas. His power, direct running, pressing intensity, and finishing ability provide Guardiola with a different attacking profile, particularly useful against deep defensive blocks and in high-intensity fixtures.
Equally important is Semenyo’s mentality. Under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, he has shown resilience, adaptability, and consistency—traits Guardiola values highly. His arrival could help spread goals across the frontline and ease the pressure on Haaland during the decisive months of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Antoine Semenyo’s release clause?
Semenyo has a £65 million release clause that becomes active during the January transfer window.
Why are Manchester City prioritising this signing?
City want to add goals and physicality from wide areas, especially with injuries and international absences affecting their attacking depth.
Have Bournemouth agreed to the transfer?
No formal agreement has been reached yet, but once the release clause is triggered, Bournemouth cannot prevent the move.
Did other clubs show interest?
Yes. Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea all monitored the player, but City are now leading the race.
Conclusion
Manchester City’s pursuit of Antoine Semenyo underlines their intent to strengthen mid-season rather than wait until summer. With the player keen on the move and Guardiola pushing for added attacking firepower, the coming days could prove decisive. If completed, the deal would represent another calculated step in City’s evolving squad rebuild—one aimed firmly at sustaining their push for silverware both now and in the future.
