By Martin Graham
Antoine Semenyo has become the headline transfer story this winter, with Manchester City advancing negotiations for the Ghana international. The 25-year-old striker has a £65million buyout clause valid until January 10, attracting interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.
His journey has been unconventional. Brought up in London, he was released by Arsenal, Tottenham and Millwall before joining a development program run by Dave Hockaday. Bristol City signed him in 2017, sending him to Bath, Newport and Sunderland before finally breaking out in the 2020-21 campaign. Bournemouth secured him for £10m in January 2023, and his development since then has fueled his growing reputation.
The reigning champions see value in the price, especially considering the current market and their age. His creative numbers per game may not surpass Rayan Cherki or Jeremy Doku, and his successful dribbling rate is only better than Savinho’s, but his attacking performance stands out. Since April, only Erling Haaland and Morgan Rogers have contributed more direct goals in the league. Pep Guardiola has already praised his dynamism, calling it “extraordinary” and highlighting his relentless energy and ability to attack open areas.
Semenyo’s direct style provides something different. He can accelerate long distances and strike with either foot, registering 69 successful dribbles, third best in the division, and equaling the highest number of goals scored after actions since April. With injuries to Oscar Bobb and Doku, and Omar Marmoush out of the AFCON, he offers squad depth immediately and tactical flexibility going forward.
Could Bournemouth convince him to stay?
Andoni Iraola’s side have struggled recently, suffering a seven-match winless run that has seen them drop to 15th, but optimism remains. They are closer to the Champions League places than the relegation zone, and investment in their training complex and plans for a new stadium hint at ambition. Semenyo has been essential, featuring in 11 of Bournemouth’s Premier League goals this season.
Some believe that staying could benefit him. Former Cherries striker Sam Vokes argues the environment is ideal for the striker, pointing to the joy he seems to have on the pitch. Team-mate Justin Kluivert has even described him as “world-class” after witnessing his form first-hand. In the games he has scored, Bournemouth have rarely been beaten, which further underlines his influence.
However, the interest of a club leading the quest for the title, and competing on four fronts, presents an attraction that few can resist. Joining City could change his role, but it could also elevate him to a new competitive sphere.
What his signing means for Manchester City’s attack
Reinforcing the right flank suggests that existing squad members could leave. Savino has been subject to interest from Tottenham previously, and Bob might also be available. Semenyo’s potential recruitment aligns with a change in City’s identity this season. Guardiola’s side have leaned on speed, transitions and stretching opponents, traits that suit Semenyo’s strengths.
City have already scored more goals on the counter-attack than in the previous two campaigns combined. Semenyo’s acceleration, ability to protect possession and decision-making in quick situations mirror what Bournemouth have used, making the transition theoretically smoother. With Haaland heavily relied on for goals, adding reliable contributors in wide positions could rebalance the attack.
Reintroducing Phil Foden closer to areas where he threatens from range, while deploying Semenyo on either wing, could restore the fluidity that defined City’s previous triumphs. Eight goals in the League already make him one of the most productive wingers in the competition this year, only behind Igor Thiago and Haaland. If City hope to overcome Arsenal, diversifying their goal options seems essential.
