Manchester City Director of Football Hugo Viana has revealed that Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo was the club’s top priority during the winter transfer window, following his blockbuster move to the Etihad Stadium.
Semenyo completed a £65 million switch to the Premier League champions on Friday, signing a five-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at City until 2031.
“Antoine is a really exciting signing for the football club,” Viana said. “He made it clear to us immediately that it was City he wanted to join. His enthusiasm for this football club was evident throughout the process.”
Viana highlighted Semenyo’s all-round qualities and potential for further development under City’s setup.
“He has huge quality—two great feet, pace, power, and a habit of influencing games,” he added. “Importantly, he still has real room for growth and development. I’m excited to see the player Antoine can become in the weeks, months and years ahead.”
The City director also stressed how highly the club rated the Black Stars attacker compared to other targets.
“We are constantly watching players all over the world. Antoine was the one we most wanted,” Viana said. “He has shown he can perform in the Premier League. He is humble, hard-working, professional and totally focused on being a better footballer. He is ideal for us.”
Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Semenyo began his professional career at Bristol City before loan spells at Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland. His rise accelerated after a move to Bournemouth during the 2022/23 season, where he developed into one of the league’s most consistent attackers.
