Stefan Borson: Man City Agreed to Semenyo Terms That Will Hurt Them in Title Race vs Arsenal

Football finance expert Stefan Borson has warned that Manchester City's agreement to lucrative terms for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo could jeopardize their Premier League title challenge against Arsenal. In an exclusive analysis, Borson dissects the deal's financial implications, highlighting how the high wages and profit-sharing structure strain City's budget at a critical juncture.[1][2]

City are closing in on a £65 million deal to activate Semenyo's release clause, paying Bournemouth a "bigger headline amount" upfront to secure the 26-year-old Ghana international, who has notched nine goals and three assists in 20 appearances this season. Semenyo prefers Pep Guardiola's side over interest from Liverpool, despite playing in Bournemouth's recent 3-2 defeat to Arsenal.[1][2][6]

Borson reveals Semenyo's package will total around £200,000 per week—including a £150,000 basic salary plus incentives—aligning with City's average all-in earnings of £200-225k. This makes him one of their joint-fifth most expensive signings, matching Ruben Dias. "A player signed for £65m at City is going to be taking £200k a week as a package," Borson told Football Insider, noting it equates to £10m annually if he plays regularly.[2]

The real issue, per Borson, lies in the profit-share agreement detailed in the transfer. City conceded favorable sell-on clauses and future profit terms to Bournemouth, inflating the effective cost beyond the headline fee. With sales needed to fund the move—potentially in January or summer—this diverts focus from squad reinforcement amid a tight title race. Arsenal, trailing closely, could capitalize as City juggle FFP constraints and player exits.[1][3]

Borson cautions: These terms "will hurt them" by limiting flexibility against rivals like Arsenal, who boast a more streamlined wage bill. Semenyo's arrival boosts attack, but the fiscal concessions risk derailing City's defense of the crown in a fiercely contested season.[2][4]

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