[The Athletic - Ornstein] Antoine Semenyo Prefers Move to Manchester City

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Since moving from Championship side Bristol City to Bournemouth in January 2023, Semenyo has racked up 30 goals and 13 assists in 106 appearances. He's been on fire in the 2025-26 season, bagging 8 goals and 3 assists in just 16 Premier League matches.

Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo is leaning towards a move to Manchester City in the January transfer window. The key reason he wants to join Pep Guardiola's side is the project and his hunger to win trophies.

Other clubs have been sniffing around too. Chelsea made some early inquiries but decided not to pull the trigger. Manchester United also gave it their best shot, but a January move was deemed unrealistic, and the club only wanted players who were 100% committed to the move.

Tottenham Hotspur considered a move last summer, and Liverpool was also among the clubs showing interest.

The tactical reason City wants him is clear. Every Pep Guardiola team features sharp wingers who can skin defenders 1v1 and hit double-digit goal tallies.

While Jeremy Doku's finishing seems to be improving, Guardiola admitted it's unlikely Doku will become one of the team's top scorers. Savinho and Oscar Bobb also haven't fully mastered their clinical finishing in the final third yet.

With the team's reliance on Erling Haaland becoming noticeably high, Semenyo could provide a direct threat from either wing and level up Man City's counter-attacking game.