Exclusive: Why Bournemouth Want Antoine Semenyo to Join Manchester City

By Dave Ockop | December 30, 2025

Manchester City are on the verge of securing Bournemouth's star forward Antoine Semenyo for a £65m release clause, with his representatives scheduled to arrive in Manchester to finalize contract terms.[1][2] Discussions between the clubs have opened, focusing on the finer details, as City aim to complete the deal when the January transfer window opens on January 1.[1] The release clause is active only from January 1 to January 10, and notably, City are the sole club to have formally contacted Bournemouth, despite prior interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham.[1]

From Bournemouth's perspective, allowing Semenyo to join City aligns perfectly with their strategic planning. The Cherries view this as an ideal opportunity to cash in on the 25-year-old winger, who is entering his prime, at what is considered a bargain fee in today's market.[1] Semenyo has been a standout performer this season, boasting impressive goal involvements—only Erling Haaland has more among City's squad. His underlying stats shine: he finishes a higher percentage of open-play chances than players like Bruno Fernandes, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Jarrod Bowen.[1]

Defensively, Semenyo excels, leading forwards in tracking back and recoveries per Opta data, making him a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola's high-pressing system.[1] Two-footed and Premier League-proven, he's an "oven-ready" talent. Bournemouth, anticipating his departure, have already targeted Tottenham's Brennan Johnson as a direct replacement, signaling their proactive approach to reinvest the funds and maintain squad strength.[3]

The move represents a win-win: City gain a versatile, high-output forward, while Bournemouth secure substantial funds and a seamless transition. Semenyo is expected to sign a long-term deal, marking a major coup for the champions.[1][2]

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