Antoine Semenyo Inherits Iconic Man City Legend's Jersey Number in Stunning Transfer Move
Manchester City have given Antoine Semenyo the iconic No. 42 jersey previously worn by Yaya Toure following confirmation of what appears to be the most significant January transfer window acquisition to date.
Following extensive speculation and considerable interest from several Premier League heavyweights, the ex-Bournemouth striker has agreed to join City's ranks.
"I feel incredibly honored to become part of Manchester City," Semenyo shared with the club's official platform after confirming a contract extending through 2031, reportedly valued at approximately £65 million ($87.2 million). "I've followed City throughout the past ten years under Pep Guardiola's leadership, witnessing their Premier League dominance while achieving remarkable success across the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup competitions.
"They've established exceptional standards and represent a club featuring elite players, top-tier facilities and one of football's greatest managers in Pep.
"I possess tremendous potential for growth, making this opportunity at such a pivotal moment in my career absolutely ideal. Being here represents a genuine honor.
"My finest performances lie ahead, I'm confident of that. City remain competitive across four tournaments. I truly believe I can contribute to a successful remainder of the campaign.
"The Etihad becomes my new sanctuary. I'm eager to perform before these supporters and demonstrate my capabilities."
Iconic Number Chosen by Semenyo
Semenyo previously wore No. 24 when he scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner against Tottenham Hotspur's Guglielmo Vicario in his final appearance wearing Bournemouth colors. Nevertheless, the reversed digits hold deeper personal meaning for the Ghana international.
"That was my initial number at Bristol City upon signing, and it remained meaningful to me," Semenyo revealed. "The choice was between 42 or 24, but since 24 wasn't accessible, I returned to my original number. That provided the motivation behind the decision."
No player has donned the No. 42 jersey at City since Toure, who wore it during his eight-year stint in Manchester. Bradley Wright-Phillips, sibling of former City player Shaun, briefly held that number before establishing his career in MLS with New York Red Bulls, while Glenn Whelan wore those digits for his solitary City appearance in 2003.
Man City's Staggering Spending
The precise financial details surrounding Semenyo's transfer remain disputed. BBC Sport suggests the fee could reach £65 million total while The Athletic indicates City and Bournemouth settled on a guaranteed £62.5 million with an additional £1.5 million in potential add-ons.
Regardless of specifics, this substantial investment confirms City have outspent every other club globally over the previous 12 months. The extensive nature of Guardiola's squad overhaul has been overshadowed by Liverpool's record-breaking summer activity. However, City began their heavy spending during January 2025, investing approximately £176 million on players including Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico González.
The summer window proved equally expensive, with roughly £185.8 million allocated toward acquisitions like Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki and Gianluigi Donnarumma, though City conducted their business efficiently and discreetly, completing most transactions before the Club World Cup.
Semenyo's addition elevates City's total expenditure to an extraordinary £425 million across the past year, marginally exceeding even Liverpool's outlay. Whether this investment enables Guardiola's squad to surpass Arsenal in the Premier League title contest remains to be determined.