Semenyo set for Manchester City medical on Thursday as £65m move nears completion

Antoine Semenyo is closing in on a move to Manchester City, with the Premier League champions having reached an agreement in principle to trigger the Bournemouth winger’s £65 million release clause, Sport360NG reports.

The Ghana international is expected to undergo a medical on Thursday, with the formalities of the transfer set to advance once Bournemouth conclude Wednesday night’s Premier League clash against Tottenham, live on Sky Sports. Cherries head coach Andoni Iraola confirmed Semenyo will feature in that fixture, while acknowledging it could mark his final appearance for the club.

Sources indicate all key terms have been agreed ahead of the release clause expiring on Friday, clearing the path for the 24-year-old to complete a switch to the Etihad Stadium.

Bristol City are set to benefit financially from the deal, having negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on clause when Semenyo joined Bournemouth in January 2023 for a fee in the region of £10m.

Manchester City were the only club to formally approach Bournemouth regarding the release clause, despite prior interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea before Christmas. Chelsea and Spurs both made enquiries but ultimately opted to pursue alternative targets.

City are understood to be planning to retain Savinho and Omar Marmoush even if Semenyo arrives, amid speculation surrounding the futures of several wide players. Oscar Bobb, currently sidelined through injury, has attracted interest from other clubs.

The potential signing comes against the backdrop of mounting injury concerns at City. Pep Guardiola confirmed on Tuesday that centre-back Ruben Dias will be sidelined for between four and six weeks with a hamstring problem, while Josko Gvardiol is set to undergo surgery after sustaining a leg fracture in the draw with Chelsea.

Discussions are expected to take place at the Etihad over accelerating plans to recruit a defender during the January window, with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi among those under consideration.

Guardiola has, however, played down the prospect of another major mid-season spending spree, insisting City will not repeat last year’s £176m January outlay.

“We are not going to buy four or five players like last season,” Guardiola said. “Maybe we do something, but it is completely different.”

On Dias’ injury, he added: “Hamstring. Four to six weeks.”