Director of Football for Manchester City, Hugo Viana, insists Antoine Semenyo was their priority target in the winter window.
The Ghanaian international completed a high-profile move to the Citizens on Friday morning, marking a significant step in his football career.
Semenyo penned a five-and-a-half-year deal that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031 and is expected to play a huge role for the club.
The Black Stars attacker enjoyed a meteoric rise to become one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards, earning him a significant move to Manchester City for a reported £65 million transfer fee.
“Antoine is a really exciting signing for the football club,” Viana said. “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. I am excited to see the player Antoine can become in the weeks, months and years ahead.
“We are constantly watching players all over the world. Antoine was the one we most wanted. He has shown he can perform in the Premier League. He is humble, hard-working, professional and totally focused on being a better footballer. He is ideal for us.”
Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Semenyo started his professional career at Bristol City before loan spells at Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland, further honing his craft.
After impressing at Ashton Gate, Bournemouth spotted his potential and captured his signature midway through the 2022/23 season from where his career has gone from strength to strength ever since.
Semenyo established himself as one Bournemouth’s most consistent performers this season, racking up 10 goals and providing three assists in the Premier League, further underlining his growing influence in England’s top flight.
Throughout his spell at the Bournemouth, the 25-year-old Ghanaian forward made 110 appearances for the Cherries, scoring 32 goals and registering 13 assists across all competitions.
