Fakayejo Paul
MANCHESTER — Manchester City are on the verge of completing a blockbuster deal for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.
Following a decisive “positive call” between the two clubs on Tuesday, the Premier League champions have moved into the final stages of the transfer, with a total package worth approximately £65 million ($88 million) set to be finalized.
Transfer Breakdown
The deal structure reflects City’s intent to move quickly as the January window opens:
- Release Clause: City will trigger Semenyo’s £65m exit clause, which is active specifically during the first ten days of January.
- Payment Terms: While the clause is fixed, the “final steps” involve the payment structure; City are expected to pay the fee in three installments.
- Personal Terms: The 25-year-old Ghanaian international has already reached a verbal agreement on a five-year contract with a base salary of roughly £150,000 per week.
Why Semenyo?
Pep Guardiola has targeted the versatile forward to provide elite cover and competition across the front line. Semenyo has been in sensational form for the Cherries this season, netting 9 goals in 17 appearances.
His preference was always City despite strong interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham, citing a desire to work under Guardiola and compete for major silverware.
Semenyo is expected to undergo his medical in Manchester within the next 48 hours, potentially making him available for City’s clash against Sunderland on New Year’s Day or the high-profile home game against Chelsea on January 4.