Antoine Semenyo’s Potential Transfer to Manchester City: Insights and Reactions

Manchester City is on the verge of finalizing terms with Bournemouth for the transfer of forward Antoine Semenyo, reportedly for a fee of £65 million. However, Bournemouth’s manager, Andoni Iraola, has made it clear that Semenyo has not yet played his last match for the club.

Negotiations regarding the Ghanaian forward, who is 25 years old, have progressed significantly over the last 48 hours, focusing on the final details of the agreement. City has committed to meeting Semenyo’s £65 million release clause, and his representatives were in Manchester on Monday to finalize personal terms.

Further discussions took place on Tuesday, with sources suggesting that a comprehensive agreement is imminent as the January transfer window opens on Thursday. Semenyo, who played the full 90 minutes in the recent 2-2 draw against Chelsea, has expressed a desire for his future to be clarified by January 1. Nevertheless, Iraola insists that the forward will participate in the upcoming match against Arsenal on January 3.

“He is an integral player for us, and he will definitely still be with us,” Iraola stated in an interview with BBC Match of the Day. Sources indicate that Bournemouth intends for him to play against Arsenal and then against Tottenham on January 7, prior to the expiration of the release clause on January 10.

While Liverpool has shown interest in Semenyo, unless Manchester City makes a late bid, he is expected to join the Premier League champions. Despite interest from five clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham, City remains the only team that has engaged formally with Bournemouth.

Semenyo joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023 for a fee exceeding £10 million. Although he conceded a penalty during the match against Chelsea, he showcased his value to Bournemouth by contributing two long throws that resulted in goals. After the match, he acknowledged the away fans in what seemed to be a farewell, with several teammates coming over to embrace him.

This season, Semenyo has scored nine goals and provided three assists for Bournemouth. Teammate David Brooks remarked on the potential impact of his departure: “I won’t say he doesn’t leave a hole. He’s our top scorer and has been incredibly valuable over the past couple of years. If he moves on, we wish him all the best; he has earned it.”

Commentators have also noted the significance of Semenyo’s contributions. Chris Sutton, a former Chelsea and Blackburn striker, emphasized the challenge that Iraola faces in replacing Semenyo’s impressive performance. Dion Dublin, another ex-striker, suggested that losing Semenyo would feel akin to losing multiple players, underscoring the forward’s impact on the team.