By: Christian Kpesese
Antoine Semenyo has etched his name into Ghanaian and African football history after completing a €74 million (£65 million) transfer from Bournemouth to Manchester City, making him the most expensive Ghanaian footballer of all time and the second most expensive African player ever, behind Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen.
The 26-year-old forward capped a whirlwind week by sealing the move on Friday, just days after scoring a stoppage-time winner for Bournemouth, celebrating his birthday, and completing medicals with the Premier League champions. Relaxed and upbeat during his unveiling, Semenyo described himself succinctly: “Powerful, strong, quick and clinical.”
City triggered Semenyo’s release clause ahead of the deadline, agreeing to pay £62.5 million in instalments over 24 months, plus bonuses. He has signed a contract until 2031 and will wear the number 42 shirt once donned by club legend Yaya Touré. The deal represents a record sale for Bournemouth, who signed Semenyo from Bristol City for about £10 million in January 2023.
“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City,” Semenyo said. “They have set the highest standards, with world-class players, facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep Guardiola. I still have so much room to improve. My best football is yet to come.”
Manchester City beat off stiff competition from Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur to land the London-born Ghana international. Director of football Hugo Viana said the club had no doubts about their target. “Antoine was the one we most wanted. He has two great feet, pace, power and a real habit of influencing games. Importantly, he has room to grow. He is humble, hard-working and totally focused on becoming better.”
Semenyo arrives at the Etihad in the midst of the most productive spell of his career. He scored four goals in his final six games for Bournemouth and sits third in the Premier League scoring charts this season with 10 goals from 20 matches, behind new team-mate Erling Haaland and Brentford’s Igor Thiago. He leaves the Cherries with 32 goals and 13 assists from 110 appearances in all competitions.
Beyond goals, his all-round game appears tailor-made for Pep Guardiola’s system. Since the start of last season, Semenyo has won possession in the final third more often than any other Premier League player, underlining his pressing intensity and work rate off the ball.
The move reshapes the hierarchy of Ghana’s most expensive transfers, with Semenyo now ahead of big-money compatriots such as Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Michael Essien and Andre Ayew.
It also marks a remarkable rise for a player who began his career in the English Championship, with Bristol City and loan spells at Sunderland, Newport County and Bath City.
For Manchester City, Semenyo represents both a proven Premier League performer and a forward entering his prime. For Ghanaian football, his transfer is a landmark moment — a record-breaking deal that signals how far the Black Stars’ attacking talent has travelled on the global stage.
