Manchester City are closing in on the signing of Ghana international Antoine Semenyo, with the former Premier League champions set to beat a host of rivals to the Bournemouth winger’s signature when the January transfer window opens.
City are understood to be finalising a deal worth around £65m for the 25-year-old, whose form this season has marked him out as one of the league’s standout performers. Semenyo has scored nine goals and provided three assists in just 16 Premier League appearances, catching the eye of several top clubs.
Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham had all been linked with the forward, but it is Pep Guardiola’s side who now appear to have won the race. Semenyo is admired within City’s recruitment team, with his pace, power and direct style seen as a strong fit for Guardiola’s attacking options.
The move has sparked strong reaction from former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant, who criticised his old club for failing to make a serious push for the Ghanaian. Speaking on talkSPORT, Pennant said Liverpool’s inaction was difficult to understand given their current situation.
“As a Liverpool fan, I’m really disappointed,” Pennant said, pointing to injuries in the squad and Mohamed Salah’s absence as a result of the Africa Cup of Nations. “For £65m in this day and age, a player of Antoine Semenyo’s quality is kind of a bargain.”
Pennant went further, describing Liverpool’s lack of interest as “really stupid”, adding that Semenyo could have been a long-term successor to Salah. “He’s Premier League proven, which is absolutely vital,” he said. “When Salah does decide to leave, you’d already have someone ready.”
Chelsea are believed to have made a late approach for Semenyo last week but later cooled their interest, citing depth in their attacking options. With City pressing ahead, the Ghana forward is now expected to complete his move in the coming days.
If confirmed, the transfer would mark a major step in Semenyo’s career and underline City’s intent to strengthen as they push on in multiple competitions in the second half of the season.
