SBOTOP : Antoine Semenyo Joins Manchester City, Ready to Take the Next Step Under Pep Guardiola

Manchester City have officially confirmed the signing of Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth, announcing the deal on Friday, January 9, 2026. The 26-year-old forward becomes the latest addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad during the January transfer window, strengthening the attacking options of the reigning Premier League giants as they continue to compete on multiple fronts this season.

Antoine Semenyo Completes Manchester City Move

Semenyo has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with Manchester City, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2031. The long-term agreement underlines the club’s belief in his ability and potential, while also marking a major milestone in the Ghana international’s career. After establishing himself as one of the most dynamic attackers in the Premier League, Semenyo now takes a significant step up by joining one of the most dominant teams in world football.

City’s decision to move swiftly in the January window reflects their desire to maintain depth and freshness in attack. With a packed fixture list across domestic and European competitions, Guardiola has consistently emphasized the importance of squad balance, rotation, and competition for places.

From Bristol City to the Premier League Spotlight

Antoine Semenyo’s rise to the top level has been built on perseverance and steady development. Born in London to Ghanaian parents, he began his professional journey at Bristol City, where he gradually made a name for himself as a powerful and direct attacker. Early in his career, Semenyo gained valuable experience through loan spells at Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland, opportunities that helped shape his tactical awareness and physical resilience.

His breakthrough came at Ashton Gate, where his performances in the Championship showcased his pace, strength, and ability to influence games from wide areas. Those displays eventually attracted the attention of AFC Bournemouth, who brought him to the Premier League midway through the 2022/2023 season.

Since joining Bournemouth, Semenyo’s development has accelerated. He quickly adapted to the demands of top-flight football and became one of the key figures in The Cherries’ attacking unit. Consistency, work rate, and an increasing end product turned him into one of the most sought-after wingers outside the traditional “big six.”

Playing Style and Key Strengths

Primarily operating from the left side of an attacking trio, Semenyo is known for his explosive pace, physical presence, and direct approach. He excels at driving at defenders, creating space for teammates, and contributing both goals and assists. During his time with Bournemouth, he made 110 appearances across all competitions, cementing his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most exciting wide attackers.

Semenyo’s versatility is another key asset. Comfortable playing across the front line, he offers Guardiola tactical flexibility, whether as a traditional winger, an inverted forward, or even in a more central role when required. His defensive work rate and willingness to press also align closely with City’s high-intensity playing style.

Ready for the Guardiola Challenge

Now, Semenyo faces the biggest challenge of his career under Pep Guardiola, a manager renowned for elevating players to new levels. At Manchester City, expectations are significantly higher, but so are the resources, facilities, and opportunities for growth.

The Ghana international is eligible to make his debut immediately and could feature in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle United next week. With City still competing in four major competitions, Semenyo is expected to play an important role during the second half of the season.

Speaking in his first interview as a City player, Semenyo expressed pride and excitement at joining the club.

“I am incredibly proud to join Manchester City,” he said. “I’ve watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the most dominant team in the Premier League, while also achieving incredible success in the Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup.”

Drawn by Manchester City’s High Standards

Semenyo also highlighted the club’s elite standards as a decisive factor behind his move. For him, joining City represents the perfect environment to continue his development at a crucial stage of his career.

“I still have so much room to improve,” he added. “Being at this club, at this point in my career, feels perfect. It’s a huge honor for me, and I truly believe my best football is still ahead of me.”

He also made it clear that he is eager to make an immediate impact.

“The Etihad is my new home now. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans and show what I can do for this team,” Semenyo concluded.

Club Reaction and Long-Term Vision

Manchester City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana, also shared his enthusiasm about the signing, revealing that Semenyo had been on the club’s radar for a long time and was a priority target for the January window.

“Antoine is a very exciting addition for this club,” Viana said. “From the beginning, it was clear that City was the club he wanted to join. His enthusiasm throughout the process was obvious.”

Viana praised Semenyo’s qualities as a modern forward, highlighting his pace, strength, two-footed ability, and influence on games. Crucially, City believe the player still has significant room to grow.

“We monitor players across the world, and Antoine stood out as someone we really wanted. He has already proven himself in the Premier League. He is humble, hardworking, professional, and fully focused on becoming an even better player. He fits us perfectly,” Viana concluded.

As Manchester City push forward in their pursuit of silverware, the arrival of Antoine Semenyo adds another exciting dimension to Guardiola’s squad. For the player himself, the move represents a chance to test his limits and potentially reach a new peak on one of football’s biggest stages.