Semenyo's Rise: From Rejection to Manchester City Stardom | Quick Digest
Antoine Semenyo has completed a £62.5 million transfer to Manchester City, culminating a remarkable journey from early career rejections by multiple London clubs to becoming a Premier League star. This move follows his impressive performance at AFC Bournemouth.
Antoine Semenyo joins Manchester City from Bournemouth for £62.5m.
Semenyo endured multiple rejections from top London clubs as a youth.
He nearly quit football at 15 after being rejected by Crystal Palace.
His career began at Bristol City, working through lower league loans.
Semenyo had an impactful spell at AFC Bournemouth before this major move.
The transfer marks a significant milestone in his inspiring football journey.
Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has officially completed a high-profile transfer to Premier League champions Manchester City from AFC Bournemouth on January 9, 2026, in a deal reportedly worth between £62.5 million and £65 million. This move culminates a truly remarkable and inspiring football journey, transforming a narrative of early rejection into undeniable Premier League stardom.
As a teenager, Semenyo faced numerous setbacks, being turned down by several prominent London clubs including Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Millwall, and notably, Crystal Palace. These rejections were so disheartening that he considered quitting football entirely at the age of 15. However, a year away from the sport and a subsequent opportunity through a college football programme reignited his passion.
His professional career began at Bristol City in 2017, followed by character-building loan spells at lower-league clubs like Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland. He then made his move to AFC Bournemouth in January 2023, where he truly began to shine in the Premier League, scoring 11 goals in the 2024/25 season and continuing his impressive form with 10 goals and 3 assists in 20 league games this current season before his transfer. His performances caught the eye of top clubs, leading to his monumental transfer to Manchester City, where he has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract until June 2031 and will wear the number 42 shirt.
The article's central claim, that Semenyo turned rejection into Premier League stardom, is thoroughly accurate and well-supported by his career trajectory and this latest significant transfer. His journey is a testament to perseverance and resilience, making it a compelling and credible sports story.
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