Antoine Semenyo is close to joining City
Antoine Semenyo is edging closer to a blockbuster January move to Manchester City, with the former Premier League champions now firmly in pole position to sign the Bournemouth forward.
Advanced talks in recent days have given City growing confidence that a deal for the 25-year-old Ghana international can be struck before the winter window closes.
Sources close to the situation indicate that City have made significant progress and believe they are well-placed to win the race for Semenyo, who has a £65 million release clause active during the first 10 days of January 2026.
That clause was included in his new contract, signed in July, a compromise that allowed Bournemouth to keep hold of their key attacker over the summer.
2025 AFCON: Kwesi Appiah confident Sudan will go beyond the group phase
Semenyo’s performances have not gone unnoticed. Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea all made enquiries, but interest has gradually narrowed.
United have cooled their pursuit amid expectations that Semenyo favours a move to Pep Guardiola’s side, while Chelsea chose not to proceed.
Liverpool have checked on the conditions of a deal and could yet step up their interest, especially following Alexander Isak’s broken leg, but City remain the clear frontrunners. Tottenham are viewed as outsiders.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City and Bournemouth are set for direct contact this week. While the £65m clause remains available until January 10, 2026, City are exploring a different deal structure, including flexible payment terms. Crucially, Semenyo’s preference is understood to be Manchester City.
Bournemouth accept they are vulnerable to losing their star man but are open to negotiations, particularly if any agreement allows Semenyo to remain with the club until the end of the season.
FKA/EB
