Antoine Semenyo Reveals Why He Rejected Man Utd and Liverpool Advances: 'Zero Doubts' About His Decision
Antoine Semenyo's ambition to work alongside Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has led him to reject potential transfers to Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports.
The Bournemouth striker has garnered significant attention from several top-tier clubs in the league. Arsenal appears to be the sole member of the Premier League's elite "Big Six" that hasn't made formal contact regarding the player, who can be secured for £65 million ($87.7 million) through his January release clause.
Surprisingly, the Gunners were believed to be Semenyo's favored destination due to his lifelong allegiance to the club, as reported by The Athletic, yet City has emerged victorious in the pursuit.
Semenyo's choice of the eight-time Premier League winners stems from his eagerness to collaborate with Guardiola—Fabrizio Romano indicates there have been 'zero doubts' regarding this transfer since Christmas Eve.
Guardiola is universally recognized as among the finest tacticians in football history; the Spanish mastermind achieves the rare feat of revolutionizing how the game is played while simultaneously securing victories.
Throughout his 15 complete seasons managing at the highest level, Guardiola has claimed domestic titles 12 times. Manchester City's 2024–25 season was broadly criticized as his poorest campaign, yet he still guided the team to a top-three position and an FA Cup final appearance.
Semenyo wouldn't be the first player captivated by Guardiola's interest. Nevertheless, the 54-year-old's future remains uncertain. Although his deal runs until summer 2027, speculation suggests City is planning for his potential exit in six months, with numerous conversations between the club and Enzo Maresca before his Chelsea departure.
How Semenyo would integrate into Guardiola's system remains unclear. City's squad deficiencies are more pronounced in central defense—explaining their heightened pursuit of Marc Guéhi—while their preferred attacking lineup is well-established.
Erling Haaland's position is guaranteed in every starting eleven, typically supported by Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki on the flanks. Jérémy Doku provides another dynamic wide option, a role where Semenyo will compete with Savinho and Omar Marmoush upon his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Semenyo Still Has One Game Before Man City Medical
Semenyo's release clause conditions present both advantages and challenges for Bournemouth. By requiring clubs to activate the £65 million fee within January's opening 10 days, the coastal team secures time to find a successor—though their primary target, Brennan Johnson, has already moved to Crystal Palace.
Nevertheless, this situation has affected Semenyo's participation during the hectic holiday schedule. Andoni Iraola has consistently maintained that his leading goalscorer would feature in the three-game sequence against Chelsea, Arsenal and Wednesday's encounter with Tottenham Hotspur.
The Spanish manager reaffirmed this week that Semenyo will participate against Spurs. "Antoine will feature tomorrow, absolutely," he stated. "I can share my perspective based on experience, but nothing is finalized with Antoine Semenyo.
"If you ask for my personal view, 'what are your thoughts?' Considering all the speculation, I believe this could be his final appearance, but I cannot confirm it. I comprehend the market dynamics and the rumors, but currently nothing is settled or signed, so he remains our player and I hope he stays.
"However, my understanding, having navigated the transfer market previously with this and other clubs, suggests there's a possibility this is indeed his last match."
Semenyo's tenure as a Bournemouth player isn't anticipated to continue long after Wednesday's clash with Spurs concludes, which coincides with his 26th birthday. BBC Sport joins several media outlets reporting that the adaptable forward is scheduled for a Manchester City medical immediately following Wednesday's fixture.