Is Antoine Semenyo making the right decision by joining Man City?

Robin Bairner

• 27 Dec 2025 09:00 CST
• 4 min read

Nieuws

Antoine Semenyo is a Premier League star who appears to have the world at his feet. With the January transfer window fast rolling in, the Bournemouth winger is wanted by each member of England’s Big Six. But data suggests his chosen move carries a major risk.

Semenyo has been one of the English top-flight’s most form players at the start of the season. Through 16 matches, he has eight goals and three assists. These are numbers any player would be content with, but particularly so when playing with a mid-table side like Bournemouth.

The Ghana star, meanwhile, has the possibility of leaving in January for £65 million (€75m) due to a release clause in a new deal he signed in the summer.

With an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €51.3m, he is seen as a player who can make an impact at a reasonable price. Crucially, his release clause makes him accessible at a time when clubs are trying to lock down players. This is fuelling January interest.

The Athletic has revealed that a deal is very much on for next month – with Semenyo dreaming of Arsenal but likely headed for Manchester City.

Esteemed journalist David Ornstein wrote: “The strength of interest and Semenyo’s readiness to leave made an immediate switch likely, and all suitors held talks prior to a final decision materialising.

“There is a feeling Arsenal would have ranked as his first choice had they been firmly at the table.

“City are expected to take steps in the coming days to formalise the situation, but until it is resolved, Bournemouth will utilise their player and keep contingency planning for the event of his exit.”

Semenyo to Man City: Trouble in the making?

Semenyo may be destined to move to Manchester City, but data analytics firm SciSports doubts whether this is a smart move for the winger.

Its Career Advice tool, which measures the suitability of buying clubs for players based on a variety of factors, suggests there are many better options than a move to the Etihad Stadium.

City get a Club Fit score of 64, which is not strong.

While Pep Guardiola’s side are rated highly in terms of being able to offer Semenyo the opportunity to develop his game and the system they employ, the title contenders rank with only one star when it comes to playing time and playing style.

The Catalan’s positional discipline would appear to contrast with Semenyo’s direct approach, with other leading wingers such as Jack Grealish having struggled to make an impact under Pep at City in the recent past.

What are his best options?

Semenyo may well be overextending himself by moving to one of the Premier League big guns, SciSports reports.

Aston Villa would be a significantly better option for the winger, with Unai Emery’s side hitting a massive 81 score when it comes to Club Fit. In particular, he hits five stars when it comes to development.

Perhaps a likelier move in terms of finances might be Newcastle United, although they do not have any particular need for a winger at present. Eddie Howe’s side score a commendable 76, again largely thanks to their development prospects. Limited playing time means this is an unlikely deal.

When it comes to the Big 6, Semenyo’s dream move to Arsenal is the one that suits him best. The Gunners score 66 but do not fare well in terms of either playing time or style.

According to this analysis, going to City represents a sizeable risk for Semenyo, who would be advised to think twice before moving this January.

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