Manchester City have completed the signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a deal worth 64 million pounds, marking the most significant transfer of the January 2026 window. The Ghana international forward signed a five-and-a-half-year contract on January 9, committing his future to the Etihad Stadium until 2031.

The deal sees City pay 62.5 million pounds guaranteed, with an additional 1.5 million in performance-related bonuses and a 10 percent sell-on clause included. Bournemouth will receive the guaranteed fee over 24-month installments. Semenyo will wear the number 42 shirt for his new club.

The 26-year-old arrives at City in outstanding form, having scored 10 Premier League goals and provided 3 assists for Bournemouth this season. His performances placed him as the third-highest scorer in the league, catching the attention of several top clubs. In a fitting farewell, Semenyo scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner against Tottenham Hotspur in his final appearance for the Cherries on January 7.

Pep Guardiola expressed his delight at securing the forward's signature in the face of stiff competition. Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham were all reportedly interested in acquiring the Ghanaian's services. The City manager praised his new signing's versatility and technical ability.

Guardiola said: Many clubs wanted him but he decided to join us. He plays extraordinarily in Bournemouth on both sides and can use both legs unbelievably. All I can say is thanks to him for choosing us.

Semenyo himself could barely contain his excitement at joining the Premier League champions. The forward spoke of his admiration for the club's achievements under Guardiola's stewardship and his belief that his best years are still ahead.

I am so proud to have joined Manchester City, Semenyo said. I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League as well as achieving amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup. They have set the highest of standards and it is a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep. My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that. City are in a great position, still involved in four competitions.

Director of Football Hugo Viana also welcomed the arrival, highlighting Semenyo's determination to join City above all other interested parties. Antoine is a really exciting signing for the football club, Viana stated. He made it clear to us immediately that it was City he wanted to join. His enthusiasm for this football club has been clear throughout the process. He has huge quality, two great feet, pace, power, a habit of influencing games and, importantly, real room for growth and development.

The signing takes Manchester City's transfer spending to an eye-watering 425.9 million pounds across 14 players in the past 12 months. The investment underlines the club's commitment to maintaining their dominance in English football as they continue to compete on multiple fronts this season.