Semenyo Explains Why He Picked Man City Over Liverpool and Man United

Semenyo Explains Why He Picked Man City Over Liverpool and Man United

  • Premier League powerhouse Manchester City have signed Ghana star Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a £64 million deal
  • The Black Stars striker joined Pep Guardiola's side on a five-and-a-half-year contract, taking City's transfer spend in the last 12 months to £425.9 million on 14 players
  • The Citizens beat off competition from rivals Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham to sign the 26-year-old

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Antoine Semenyo has outlined three key factors behind his decision to join Manchester City, turning down interest from Premier League rivals Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea after completing his move from Bournemouth.

The Ghana international is the most expensive signing of the January transfer window so far, arriving at the Etihad Stadium in a deal worth £62.5 million.

Antoine Semenyo Manchester City, Pep Guardiola Semenyo reaction, Semenyo transfer news, Manchester City £64m signing, Semenyo Bournemouth transfer, Ghanaian footballers in Premier League, Man City attacking options, FA Cup Exeter City preview
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (left) and Antoine Semenyo (right). Image credit: Marc Atkins, ManCity
Source: Getty Images

Semenyo explains why he chose Man City

After establishing himself as one of the league’s standout wingers over the past 18 months, Semenyo attracted widespread attention before opting for a switch to the Manchester-based champions.

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Speaking in his first interview as a City player, the 26-year-old explained that the opportunity to work with elite coaches, compete alongside world-class teammates and help create further history at the club were decisive factors in his choice.

He explained via Skysports:

“[I’d describe myself as] A powerful, quick, strong, clinical player, but still improving. I feel I’m still yet to reach my peak. I’ve still got a lot of learning to do and joining City is going to be the best thing for my development.
“The best coaches, [and] the best players will take my game to the next level. I feel I’m improving but there are so many young players here who I think will be top players. I want to be part of that, and I want to rewrite history again.”

He continued:

“I'm so proud to have joined Manchester City. I've watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they've been the dominant team in the Premier League, achieving amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup. They've set the highest of standards, a club with world-class players, world-class facilities, one of the greatest managers ever.

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"I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect. It’s a real privilege. My best football is yet to come, I'm sure. City are in a great position – still in in four competitions. I really feel I can help have a strong second half of the season."
Antoine Semenyo, Manchester City debut, FA Cup history, EFL Cup semi-final, Player of the Match, Semenyo vs Exeter City, Semenyo goal and assist for Man City.
Antoine Semenyo scores his first goal for Manchester City on January 10, 2026. Photo by Oli Scarff.
Source: Getty Images

Semenyo was part of the City squad that took on Exeter City in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, per the BBC.

He helped unlock the Exeter defence with a perfectly weighted pass that led to the home side's fifth of the game before getting on the scoresheet himself to cap a memorable afternoon.

In just 64 minutes on the pitch, Semenyo completed 93 per cent of his passes, created a clear chance, scored once and assisted another.

Watch Semenyo's first Man City goal:

Semenyo speaks after equalling Aguero's feat

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported on Antoine Semenyo’s reaction to his dream debut for Manchester City, where he both scored and provided an assist.

The Ghanaian became the first City player since Sergio Agüero in 2011 to register a goal and an assist on his debut.

Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Isaac Darko avatar

Isaac Darko (Sports Editor) Isaac Darko is a Sports Editor at Yen, boasting over 10 years of experience in the media industry. He has produced award-winning TV shows such as "Football 360" and "Sports XTRA" on ViaSat 1/Kwese TV. Isaac began his career as an Assistant Producer at TV3 Ghana Limited (Media General) and also contributed as a Writer and Weekend Editor for Pulse Ghana. He earned his bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from the Ghana Institute of Journalism (now University of Media, Arts and Communication). Email: isaac.darko@yen.com.gh.