Manchester City are reportedly on the verge of completing the signing of Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth, with negotiations entering their final phase ahead of the January 2026 transfer window. According to Sky Sports, representatives of the Ghana international are scheduled to arrive in Manchester on Monday (29 December 2025) to finalize the remaining contract details.
The development places Manchester City firmly in control of the race, leaving Premier League rivals such as Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur trailing behind.
City Take the Lead With Concrete Approach
Despite widespread interest in Semenyo over recent weeks, Manchester City are understood to be the only club to have taken concrete steps by opening formal talks with Bournemouth. The Citizens have made it clear that they are willing to meet the forward’s £65 million release clause, a figure Bournemouth insist is non-negotiable.
City’s decisive approach has allowed them to move ahead of their competitors, many of whom were still weighing options or exploring alternative targets. With the winter transfer window set to open on 1 January 2026, talks between the two clubs are expected to intensify further in the coming days.
Contract Talks Enter Final Stage
Beyond the transfer fee, Semenyo’s representatives are also set to conclude discussions over a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City remain optimistic that all aspects of the deal—including personal terms—will be wrapped up smoothly.
The club’s confidence is rooted in Semenyo’s enthusiasm for the project laid out by Pep Guardiola. Guardiola is believed to see the 25-year-old as an ideal addition to his attacking rotation, offering physicality, pace, and versatility across the frontline.
Rivals Fall Away One by One
While several top clubs had monitored Semenyo’s situation closely, none matched City’s urgency. Chelsea reportedly held initial exploratory talks but ultimately chose not to pursue the deal further. Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, have redirected their attention toward alternative attacking options.
For Liverpool and Manchester United, the outcome is particularly frustrating. Both clubs were strongly linked with Semenyo earlier in the season, but their slower movement has left them effectively priced out as City close in on the signing.
Guardiola Shapes January Transfer Strategy
Semenyo’s arrival is part of a broader January strategy being carefully mapped out by Manchester City’s hierarchy. Guardiola has already made it clear that reserve goalkeeper James Trafford will not be allowed to leave, underlining the club’s desire to maintain depth in key positions.
In contrast, City are open to offers for Stefan Ortega should a suitable proposal arrive, potentially reshaping the goalkeeping department.
Midfield and Defensive Considerations
City’s midfield plans are also under review. The ongoing injury to Tijjani Reijnders has prompted discussions about possible reinforcements, while uncertainty surrounds the future of Bernardo Silva, whose contract is set to expire next summer.
At right-back, Manchester City were active in the market last summer, but the impressive performances of Matheus Nunes when deployed in that role have eased immediate concerns. Nevertheless, Tino Livramento remains a long-term target, although Newcastle United have no intention of selling.
Monitoring Marc Guehi and Defensive Future
City are also keeping a close eye on Marc Guehi at Crystal Palace. With his contract set to expire in the summer, Guehi could potentially become available on a free transfer—an opportunity that has not gone unnoticed by Guardiola and the club’s recruitment team.
The situation is further complicated by the contract status of John Stones, who is entering the final year of his deal, and the age profile of Nathan Aké, who will turn 31 next year. These factors have increased the urgency to plan for defensive succession.
Semenyo Deal Sends Statement
Should the Semenyo transfer be completed as expected, it would send a clear message across the Premier League. Manchester City’s willingness to act decisively—and meet Bournemouth’s valuation—highlights their determination to remain ahead of rivals both on and off the pitch.
For Semenyo, the move represents a major step forward in his career, offering the chance to work under one of the world’s most respected managers and compete for the game’s biggest trophies.
As January approaches, all signs point toward Manchester City finalizing the deal swiftly. If confirmed, the capture of Antoine Semenyo could prove one of the defining transfers of the winter window—while Liverpool and Manchester United are left to reflect on another opportunity that slipped away.
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