Bournemouth are bracing themselves for the final stages of their star player’s expected move to Pep Guardiola’s side. The discussions now focused on how much will Antonie Semenyo earn at Manchester City and how the financial details of his release clause will be structured?
Those close to the negotiations believe the transfer is edging towards completion, with both clubs confident that the remaining hurdles can be cleared in the coming days.
The Ghana international has been one of Bournemouth’s standout attacking players, and City’s long-standing interest has intensified as Pep Guardiola continues to reshape his squad.
While the overall value of the deal is not in doubt, the timing and breakdown of payments remain the last significant talking point between the two sides.
Bournemouth are understood to be relaxed about the situation, believing that an agreement is imminent and could be concluded before the start of the new year.
How much will Antonie Semenyo earn at Manchester City?
Semenyo’s release clause is valued at just under £65m, a figure that includes additional costs such as loyalty payments and agent fees.
Manchester City’s preference is to spread the payment over a three-year period, an approach that has become increasingly common at the top end of the Premier League.
Bournemouth, for their part, are optimistic that these terms will be accepted, with sources suggesting the deal could be signed off as early as New Year’s Day, and no later than the end of the week.
According to CityXtra, Personal terms are no longer thought to be an obstacle. The 25-year-old is set to sign a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, with a basic weekly wage of around £150,000, supplemented by performance-related incentives.
That salary would represent a significant increase on his current earnings and underlines the level of faith City have in his ability to adapt to Guardiola’s demanding system.
Semenyo’s rise has been steady rather than sudden. Since arriving at Bournemouth, he has developed into a versatile wide forward capable of operating on either flank or through the middle.
His pace, physical strength and willingness to press from the front have made him an attractive option for a City side that values tactical flexibility and intensity without the ball.
Squad implications and future uncertainties
The potential signing is also expected to have knock-on effects elsewhere in the squad. Guardiola may look to streamline his wide options, and that has raised questions about the futures of Oscar Bobb and Savinho.
Both players have been given opportunities this season, but neither has yet established themselves as regular starters in the league.
Savinho, the 21-year-old Brazilian, has started eight matches in all competitions, four of them in the Premier League. His two goals have come in the Carabao Cup, and while his technical ability is clear, consistency has been harder to find.
With Brennan Johnson set to leave Tottenham, the north London club are keeping a close eye on Savinho’s situation, aware that City could be open to a move if their attacking ranks become crowded.
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Bobb’s season has followed a similar pattern. The 22-year-old Norwegian started City’s opening three league games, a sign of the trust Guardiola has in his potential.
However, his involvement has been limited since then, with just two further league starts, the most recent coming in late October.
Despite making 15 appearances across all competitions, he is yet to score, and the arrival of another wide forward could further reduce his chances of regular minutes.
Guardiola has often been patient with young players, but he has also been clear that competition is relentless at a club competing on multiple fronts.
Any decision regarding Bobb or Savinho is likely to be influenced by the balance of the squad and the need to ensure players continue to develop through regular football, whether at City or elsewhere.
