By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Manchester City have signed Ghana international Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a transfer deal worth at least £62.5 million (€72 million).
Semenyo signed a five-and-a-half-year contract and will wear the number 42 shirt previously worn by Yaya Toure, who won three Premier League titles during his eight years at the club.
“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City,” Semenyo said.
“They have set the highest of standards and it’s a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep [Guardiola].
“I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It’s a real privilege to be here.
“My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that.”
City agreed a deal with Bournemouth outside of Semenyo’s £65m release clause at £62.5m, plus performance-related bonuses worth £1.5m and a 10 per cent sell-on clause.
“Antoine is a really exciting signing for the football club. He made it clear to us immediately that it was City he wanted to join,” director of football Hugo Viana said.
“He has huge quality. Two great feet, pace, power, a habit of influencing games and, importantly, real room for growth and development.
“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.”
Semenyo scored four goals in his last six games for the Cherries, putting him third in this season’s Premier League goalscoring charts with 10 from 20 games – behind new City team-mate Erling Haaland (20) and Brendford’s Igor Thiago (16).