The Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has risen from non-league football to the Premier League elite, earning a £64m move to Manchester City after impressing at Bournemouth. And his journey to the top of English football has been far from conventional.
Born in London to Ghanaian parents, the forward developed his game outside the traditional pathway to professional football, overcoming setbacks at youth level before establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic attacking players.
His combination of physical strength, pace, versatility and ability to use both feet helped him make a name for himself at AFC Bournemouth, earning a move to Manchester City in January 2026.
City completed the signing on a five-and-a-half-year contract in a deal reported to be worth about £65m, making Semenyo Bournemouth’s record sale.
Profile
Semenyo is a Ghanaian international forward who primarily operates on the wing but can also play through the middle.
He is known for his direct running, aggressive pressing, strength in one-on-one situations and ability to threaten defenders with either foot. These qualities have made him an effective option in fast-paced attacking systems.
His development was not straightforward. After unsuccessful trials with several London clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Millwall, he continued pursuing a professional career through Bristol City and a series of loan spells.
Those experiences helped shape a player whose route to the top was built on persistence rather than an early breakthrough at an elite academy.
Manchester City: £64-million statement
Semenyo joined Manchester City from Bournemouth in January 2026 after attracting interest from several leading Premier League clubs.
The transfer represented a significant milestone for Bournemouth, who had signed him from Bristol City in January 2023 for a reported £10.5m. City secured the forward on a contract running until 2031, with Semenyo taking the number 42 shirt.
His arrival added pace, power and versatility to City’s attacking options. His ability to carry the ball forward, press opponents and operate in different attacking positions made him an attractive addition to the squad.
Semenyo made an immediate impression, providing an assist in City’s 10-1 FA Cup victory over Exeter City before scoring in a 2-0 EFL Cup win against Newcastle United.
He also contributed to City’s domestic cup successes during the 2025-26 campaign, including the FA Cup final victory over Chelsea and the EFL Cup triumph against Arsenal.
Career journey
Bristol City and loan spells
Semenyo began his professional career at Bristol City, signing his first professional contract in January 2018. He gained valuable experience through loan spells at Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland, developing his game in the lower divisions of English football.
His time at Newport County was particularly important in his development as an attacking player, as he gained experience operating in wider positions and facing senior defenders.
After returning to Bristol City, Semenyo gradually established himself in the first team. His performances during the 2021-22 season earned him the club’s Player of the Year award, while he was also named EFL Championship Player of the Month for January 2022.
His progress attracted interest from Premier League clubs and paved the way for his next move.
AFC Bournemouth: Premier League breakthrough
Bournemouth signed Semenyo in January 2023, giving him the opportunity to establish himself in the Premier League.
He adapted to top-flight football through his combination of strength, direct attacking play and willingness to press defenders. Over time, he became an important part of Bournemouth’s forward line.
His performances helped him develop into a more consistent goalscoring threat, while his ability to play across the front line gave the team greater tactical flexibility.
Semenyo’s progress on the south coast ultimately attracted Manchester City’s attention, with the club completing a record sale for Bournemouth in January 2026.
Salary and net worth
Semenyo’s move to Manchester City brought a significant increase in his reported earnings.
Reports have placed his basic salary at approximately £180,000 per week, compared with an estimated £75,000 per week at Bournemouth. However, these figures have not been fully confirmed by the clubs.
Some football salary databases estimate his fixed gross earnings for the 2026-27 season at about £9.36m annually. Other reported figures differ, particularly when bonuses and performance-related payments are included.
His precise net worth is not publicly established. Any estimate would depend on his salary, bonuses, sponsorship agreements, investments, taxes and other personal financial commitments.
| Manchester City transfer fee | £64m-£65m |
| Weekly basic salary | £180,000 |
| Annual fixed salary | £9.36m |
| Contract expiry | 2031 |
International career with Ghana
Semenyo made his senior debut for Ghana in June 2022, coming on as a substitute in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victory against Madagascar.
He scored his first international goal later that year in a friendly against Switzerland as he continued to establish himself in the Black Stars squad.
His international career has added another dimension to his development, with his pace, physical presence and versatility providing Ghana with an alternative attacking threat.
Semenyo represented Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. His subsequent international appearances have further strengthened his importance to the national side.
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Honours and individual awards
Semenyo’s career has brought recognition at both club and individual level.
Club honours
| FA Cup: 2025-26 | Manchester City |
| EFL Cup: 2025-26 | Manchester City |
Individual awards
| 2021-22 | Bristol City Player of the Year |
| January 2022 | EFL Championship Player of the Month |
| 2025 | SWAG Foreign Player of the Year |
| September 2025 | PFA Premier League Fans’ Player of the Month |
| February 2026 | Premier League Player of the Month |
| 2025-26 | PFA Team of the Year |
What makes Semenyo stand out
Semenyo’s rise reflects a combination of physical attributes, technical ability and persistence. He can carry the ball at speed, compete physically with defenders, press aggressively and finish with either foot.
His career also illustrates the value of development outside the traditional academy system. Rather than progressing directly into an elite first team, he built experience through loans and lower-league football before earning his opportunity in the Premier League.
The move to Manchester City represents the latest stage of that journey. At a club competing for major domestic and European honours, Semenyo has the opportunity to develop further and establish himself among the leading attacking players in English football.
His long-term impact will depend on consistency, fitness and his ability to translate his individual strengths into sustained performances at the highest level.
