Why Manchester City Are Pushing to Sign Antoine Semenyo

‘Always Hungry, Always Brave’ – Why Manchester City Want Antoine Semenyo

Antoine Semenyo is rapidly becoming the headline act of the January 2025 transfer window, with Manchester City in advanced talks to activate his £65m release clause before it expires on 10 January.

The 25-year-old Ghana international, currently at Bournemouth, has also drawn attention from Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham, but it’s City boss Pep Guardiola who seems most determined to secure his signature.

A Meteoric Rise

Semenyo’s journey is one of perseverance. Rejected by Arsenal, Spurs, and Millwall in his youth, he rose through non-league ranks before landing at Bristol City in 2017. Loan spells at Bath, Newport, and Sunderland sharpened his game before a breakthrough at Bristol and a £10m move to Bournemouth in 2023.

Now, just two years later, he’s on the verge of a massive step up to the Etihad.

Why City Want Him Now

Semenyo was praised by Pep Guardiola after Bournemouth lost 3-1 to Manchester City on 2 November

While his metrics don’t scream “elite creator,” Semenyo’s direct goal involvement since April has been eye-catching:

• 14 goals & 6 assists in 2025

• 12 goals since April – second only to Erling Haaland

• 4 goals & 2 assists directly following a carry – joint most in the league

He also boasts 69 successful dribbles this season – third-highest in the Premier League – and can shoot with both feet, offering balance and flexibility across both flanks.

“He’s extraordinary,” said Guardiola earlier this season. “Always hungry, always brave.”

Fitting the Guardiola Blueprint

Semenyo has missed only one Premier League game this season – Bournemouth’s 2-2 draw with West Ham, due to illness

With Oscar Bobb and Jeremy Doku injured and Omar Marmoush away at AFCON, Guardiola sees Semenyo as a short-term solution and a long-term attacking asset.

City have embraced vertical, fast-break football this season. Semenyo’s game—direct running, pace in transition, and sharp decision-making—aligns perfectly with this shift. His presence would allow Phil Foden to return to the central role, unlocking another level of attacking threat.

Who Could Make Way?

The arrival of Semenyo may signal the end of the road for Oscar Bobb or Savinho. Spurs, who showed interest in Savinho last summer, could re-enter talks.

But Guardiola may prefer keeping his depth options, especially with City still active on four competitive fronts this season.

“We’ve relied too much on Haaland’s goals,” Guardiola recently said. “We need more from the wide players and midfield.”

Semenyo, with 8 Premier League goals this season, trails only Haaland and Igor Thiago, and brings the end product City have lacked from the wings.

Can Bournemouth Convince Him to Stay?

Savinho has failed to score in 13 Premier League appearances for Man City this season

Andoni Iraola and Bournemouth have built a strong setup: new training facilities, a proposed stadium upgrade, and a clear tactical identity. Semenyo is central to their attacking output, involved in 11 of their 26 goals this season.

Former striker Sam Vokes summed it up:

“I don’t know why he’d leave. He looks happy, and Bournemouth are building something good.”

Still, with City’s pull and the chance to play Champions League football under Guardiola, the lure may be too great to resist.