Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.
The 26-year-old has joined the Etihad Stadium club for an initial £62.5 million ($84 million), with a further £1.5 million ($2 million) in potential add-ons. Semenyo has agreed to a five-and-a-half-year contract that runs through 2031 after completing his medical on Thursday.
He has been registered in time for the weekend and could make his debut in the FA Cup third-round clash against Exeter City on Saturday. He is also eligible to feature in the EFL Cup semifinal first leg against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Tuesday.
City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, said the Ghana international — who will take the No. 42 shirt previously worn by Yaya Touré — became the club’s top transfer priority following an impressive spell at AFC Bournemouth.
“We are constantly watching players all over the world. Antoine was the one we most wanted,” Viana said. “He has shown he can perform in the Premier League. He is humble, hard-working, professional and totally focused on improving. He is ideal for us.”
Semenyo departs Bournemouth after scoring 10 goals in 20 Premier League appearances this season and arrives aiming to help City add more silverware in the second half of the campaign.
“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City,” Semenyo said. “I’ve watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League while achieving incredible success in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
“I have so much room to improve, so to be at this club at this stage of my career is perfect. It’s a real privilege to be here. My best football is still ahead of me. City are in a strong position, competing on four fronts, and I believe I can help them have a successful second half of the season.”
