Semenyo says he wants to ‘rewrite history again’ after joining Manchester City

Antoine Semenyo said on Friday he wants to «rewrite history again» at Manchester City after joining from Bournemouth for a fee of £65 million ($87 million).

The 26-year-old, who has scored 10 Premier League goals this season, has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with Etihad and will be a key addition to their attacking arsenal.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham were also interested in the London-born Ghanaian international, who had a buyout clause set to expire on Saturday.

The long-awaited transfer is the first big move by Premier League clubs in January.

“I have watched City under Pep Guardiola over the last ten years and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League and have achieved great things in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup,” said Semenyo.

“They have set the highest standards and it is a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the best managers ever at Pep.”

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The winger said he wanted to be part of City’s rebuild after a barren season last year and the departure of a number of senior players.

“I feel like I’m improving, but there are so many young players here that I think will be top players,” he said.

“I want to be part of that, and I want to rewrite history.”

His final act after three years at Bournemouth was to score a spectacular injury-time winner in Wednesday’s 3-2 win against Tottenham.

City, who were dethroned as Premier League champions by Liverpool last season, have signed Semenyo to boost their challenge for silverware on four fronts in 2026.

Guardiola’s men are six points behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and are still involved in the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League.

City’s options in wide areas are limited at the moment, with Savinho out injured and Omar Marmoush representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Meteoric rise

Semenyo has risen rapidly since being loaned out by Bristol City several times early in his career.

He eventually earned his move to the Premier League in 2023 and has become one of the most powerful wingers in the top division under Andoni Iraola.

Guardiola confirmed at his pre-match press conference that Semenyo would be part of his squad for City’s FA Cup tie with third division club Exeter on Saturday.

“Everyone knows the qualities (he has) – he has played exceptionally well at Bournemouth in recent years and can play on both sides,” the City boss said.

«He is the perfect age. The best years are yet to come. All clubs try to bring in young players, but he will have his career and best years here.»

City are also in the market to boost their defensive options after losing Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol to injuries.

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is reportedly City’s top target.

Published on January 9, 2026