Manchester City are on the verge of completing the signing of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo after agreeing a deal worth around €76 million (£65m) for the Ghana international.
The Premier League champions have moved swiftly in the winter transfer window, with the forward expected to undergo his medical on Thursday before putting pen to paper on a long-term contract.
The move represents City’s first major piece of business of the January market as Pep Guardiola looks to strengthen his squad for the decisive phase of the season.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the agreement between the two clubs has now been finalised, clearing the way for Semenyo’s imminent arrival at the Etihad Stadium.
The 24-year-old has impressed during his spell at Bournemouth, where his blend of power, pace and tactical flexibility has marked him out as one of the most effective attacking outlets in the division.
His anticipated move has also been welcomed by former Ghana defender John Paintsil, who believes the striker’s value comfortably exceeds the figures initially discussed.
“Semenyo is worth well over 40 million euros,” Paintsil said, underlining the growing reputation of the Bournemouth forward.
For Manchester City, the signing is viewed as a strategic response to the demands of the second half of the campaign.
Still locked in a tight title race with Arsenal, Guardiola has been keen to add depth and variety to his attacking options, particularly with the fixture list becoming increasingly congested.
Semenyo’s versatility is one of the qualities that attracted City.
Comfortable operating across the front line, he offers a direct running threat as well as the physical presence to unsettle defenders.
His ability to play in multiple roles is expected to give Guardiola greater flexibility in rotation and tactical approach as the season reaches its critical stages.
The deal also represents a significant moment for Bournemouth, who only secured Semenyo on a long-term contract running until 2030.
The player is reported to be earning an annual salary of €4,476,194, equivalent to 2,909,526,100 FCFA, while his market value is currently estimated at €65 million.
Although the Cherries will be reluctant to lose a key attacking figure midway through the season, the scale of City’s offer has proved decisive.
With the paperwork nearing completion, attention now turns to Semenyo’s medical and the formal announcement of the transfer.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, must quickly refocus on their own league commitments.
They are preparing for their 21st Premier League fixture against Tottenham, a match that now takes on added significance in the wake of their forward’s impending departure.
The betting company 1xbet has listed the odds for the encounter as follows: Bournemouth to win at 2.17, a draw at 3.60, and Tottenham to win at 3.30.
For City, the acquisition of Semenyo sends a clear signal of intent.
Having dominated domestic competition in recent seasons, the champions appear determined not to relinquish their grip on the title without reinforcing their squad at a pivotal moment.
As the winter window gathers momentum, Semenyo’s transfer stands out as one of the most eye-catching moves so far, one that could have a significant bearing on the balance of power in the Premier League over the months ahead.
