“I’m ready” – Antoine Semenyo sends confident title race message to Manchester City fans

Manchester City’s new signing Antoine Semenyo has pledged to do his part in the title race upon confirmation of his £64 million arrival from Bournemouth.

The 26-year-old became Manchester City’s first signing of 2026 on Friday morning, putting pen to paper on a five-and-a-year deal that will keep the Ghana international at the Etihad Stadium till the summer of 2031.

City will pay £62.5 million and add-ons worth £1.5 million to Bournemouth over the next 24 months, striking an agreement with the Cherries outside the £65 million release clause in Semenyo’s contract at the Vitality Stadium that was valid till January 10.

Semenyo is one of the deadliest forwards in the Premier League and represents a stellar addition to a Manchester City frontline that has been heavily reliant on Erling Haaland in the final third since Julian Alvarez’s £82 million move to Atletico Madrid in 2024.

In an interview with Manchester City’s in-house media team upon his arrival at the club, Semenyo outlined his objectives at the Etihad Stadium, what the City fanbase can expect to see from him and provided his two cents on the Premier League title race.

“It’s only sinking in now to be honest,” the Ghanian said. “I’ve had to work very hard to get to this point, I’m over the moon it’s done and looking forward to the challenge. I’m so excited. I’m looking forward to meeting the boys, competing at the highest level and hopefully winning all four competitions.

“(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 Manchester City is the best thing for my development.

“The best coaches, 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, I want to rewrite history again.

“I feel like very chaotic on the eye, just spontaneous, I can do just anything at any moment. I’ll be playing with a smile on my face, and I hope I do for the Manchester City fans as well.”

Having risen gradually through the English football pyramid over the years, the London-born attacker added: “I’ve had to be a strong character (to get here) I feel emotionally, mentally I’ve had to get really strong. I’ve had family and friends, my fiancé around me, keeping me uplifted and always pushing me.

“I’ve had to push myself quite a bit to get through a lot of troubled, hard times. But it’s made me the man I am today. Strong, fearless and ready to attack the world. 100%.”

On his perception outside Manchester City, Semenyo said: “You want to be a part of the team, to be honest. You want to be winning those trophies, playing with the best players in the world, so that perception is you just want to be involved. I thank God that now I’m involved and we can win many more trophies.”

Semenyo is a man of faith and his relationship with God is a part of his life he fondly cherishes. “It starts in the mornings when I’m praying, day and night I make sure I always pray and make sure I always write down things where I can improve and get better,” the winger said.

“Having the right people around me. I feel those three things have got me the success I’ve had today. So, I just need to keep them around me, keep improving, keep writing things down and keep praying.”

Semenyo is in line to make his Premier League debut when Manchester City face Manchester United, with no less than three points acceptable for the Blues after three draws on the spin.

“It’s going to be a challenge to get in the title race, but I’m ready. I’m ready to be part of this journey, and look forward to seeing you soon!”

The forward could make his Manchester City debut against Exeter City in the FA Cup third-round at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.