In a major transfer development, Manchester City are on the verge of securing the signature of Bournemouth's prolific forward, Antoine Semenyo, for a fee of £65 million. The Premier League champions have moved decisively to meet the player's release clause ahead of a critical deadline.
Breaking Down the Blockbuster Deal
According to reliable reports from the BBC, Manchester City have formally agreed to trigger the £65 million release clause in Semenyo's contract with Bournemouth. This clause has a specific activation window, which reportedly must be exercised by January 10. The entire transaction is anticipated to be wrapped up before the coming Saturday, marking one of the first major moves of the winter window.
The final procedural step, the player's medical examination, is scheduled to take place after Bournemouth's Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday evening. This swift timeline indicates City's determination to get the deal over the line without delay.
Fending Off Rival Interest
Antoine Semenyo's impressive form this season had attracted attention from a host of England's elite clubs. Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham were all credited with an interest in the dynamic attacker. However, Manchester City emerged as the sole club to make formal contact with Bournemouth and advance negotiations to a concrete stage, showcasing their focused intent in the transfer market.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola appeared to acknowledge the growing likelihood of Semenyo's departure in comments made before the Tottenham match. "I think it could be the last game," Iraola stated. "That is my personal opinion, but there is nothing agreed and nothing signed. It is my understanding of the market and the noise around it, but right now there is nothing agreed. He is still our player and I hope it continues."
Semenyo's Meteoric Rise
The potential transfer caps a remarkable period of growth for the 25-year-old. Since his move from Bristol City in 2023 for a fee exceeding £10 million, Semenyo has developed into one of the most exciting attacking talents in the league. During the current campaign, he has been in outstanding form, contributing nine goals and three assists for the Cherries, performances that have now prompted this record-breaking bid from the reigning champions.
If completed, this move represents a significant step in Semenyo's career and a major investment by Manchester City to bolster their attacking options for the second half of the season and beyond.
