Sky Sports Report: Manchester City Complete Pre-Contract Agreement for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo in €80m Deal
Manchester City have reportedly completed a sensational pre-contract agreement to sign Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo in a deal worth €80 million, with personal terms also fully agreed. According to Sky Sports, the Premier League champions have identified the Ghanaian international as the ideal backup — and long-term partner — for star striker Erling Haaland ahead of the January transfer window. Semenyo is expected to sign a six-year contract, earning around €200,000 per week, marking the most significant step yet in City’s plan to strengthen their attacking line.
For Pep Guardiola, this move is not merely about adding depth, but about maintaining the relentless competitive standard that has defined Manchester City during his tenure. The club is involved in a tense title race, and every tactical advantage counts. Semenyo’s power, versatility, and recent breakout form have placed him firmly among the Premier League’s most promising forwards, and City believe this is the moment to act.
A Rising Star Ready for the Next Level
Antoine Semenyo has enjoyed a remarkable ascent since his arrival at Bournemouth. Initially starting as a rotational option, he has grown into one of the team’s most influential attackers, combining pace, physical strength, direct running, and improved finishing. His ability to operate both centrally and wide makes him an attractive option for Guardiola, who values multifunctional attackers capable of adapting to positional changes mid-match.
City’s scouting reports highlight Semenyo’s impressive work rate, acceleration, and capability in pressing situations — all key components of Guardiola’s system. At just 24, Semenyo fits the profile of a forward who can contribute immediately while still having enormous potential for development within a technically demanding environment like Manchester City’s.
Why Manchester City Want Semenyo
Erling Haaland remains the focal point of City’s attack, but the club has been searching for a dynamic forward who can relieve pressure from the Norwegian while offering new tactical dimensions. Julián Álvarez has been deployed both as a striker and attacking midfielder, but Guardiola has often expressed the need for another powerful runner behind defensive lines.
Semenyo fits this need perfectly.
His explosive bursts of speed allow him to stretch defenses, and his improved composure in front of goal — shown across the last two seasons — indicates that he is ready for the next step. Additionally, his Premier League experience means there will be no adaptation period, a vital factor with the January window being notoriously difficult for integrating new players.
Guardiola’s Determination to Strengthen the Squad
Sources close to Manchester City indicate that Guardiola himself pushed strongly for the club to complete this deal early. With City competing in the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups, squad depth is essential. The manager reportedly believes that the squad needs fresh energy in the attacking third, especially as opponents have become increasingly compact and difficult to break down.
Guardiola has also expressed admiration for Semenyo’s personality: humble, hardworking, and eager to improve — traits he considers non-negotiable for players in his system.
A Boost for City in the Title Race
Manchester City are not only planning for the future but also preparing for the crucial second half of the season. Semenyo’s arrival is expected to give Guardiola more flexibility, allowing him to rotate Haaland more often and keep the entire frontline sharp. With City’s rivals strengthening as well, the champions cannot afford any complacency.
This move also signals Manchester City’s confidence in staying at the top. Spending €80m on a striker who is not immediately guaranteed a starting role is a testament to their ambition and the financial capability to compete at the highest levels. It also shows how highly City rate Semenyo’s potential to evolve into a world-class contributor.
What This Deal Means for Bournemouth
For Bournemouth, losing Semenyo is a significant blow, but the financial package is substantial. An €80m fee would represent one of the largest sales in their history, allowing them to reinvest in multiple areas of the squad. While the club would prefer to keep their rising star, they understand the allure of a move to a giant like Manchester City — and the player’s desire to test himself on the biggest stages.
Bournemouth are expected to target replacements quickly, as Semenyo has been central to their attacking system. They may pursue multiple forwards to compensate for his departure.
Looking Ahead
With the pre-contract agreement reportedly completed, the final steps involve official confirmation from both clubs once the transfer window opens. Semenyo is expected to undergo formal medical checks in early January, though he has already informally passed initial fitness tests provided by City’s medical department.
For Manchester City fans, this is a statement signing — one that blends strategic vision, athletic quality, and long-term planning. If Semenyo adapts quickly, the champions could find themselves with one of the most exciting attacking partnerships in European football.
And for Semenyo himself, the stage is set. A move to the Etihad Stadium presents the opportunity of a lifetime: to learn from Guardiola, to play alongside elite teammates, and to compete for major trophies every season.
The Premier League may soon witness the next chapter in the rise of a powerful, ambitious forward — this time in City blue.
