Antoine Semenyo has become the most expensive Ghanaian footballer in history after completing a £65 million move from Bournemouth to Manchester City, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Mohammed Kudus just six months ago.
The 26-year-old Ghana international’s transfer to the Etihad Stadium, which includes an initial £62.5 million paid in instalments plus performance-related bonuses, marks a new high for Black Stars players and highlights the escalating value of African talent in the Premier League
Semenyo’s deal eclipses Kudus’ £55 million switch from West Ham to Tottenham Hotspur in July 2025, which had briefly held the record.
The Bournemouth forward, who joined the Cherries from Bristol City in 2023 for around £10 million, has seen his stock soar this season with nine goals and three assists in the league, prompting City to activate his release clause before it expired.
“I’m thrilled to join Manchester City and take my career to the next level,” Semenyo told the club’s website. “This is a massive opportunity, and it’s humbling to represent Ghana on such a stage.”
The transfer not only shatters records but also places Semenyo among the priciest African signings in Premier League history, ranking fourth behind Nicolas Pépé’s £72 million move to Arsenal in 2019, Bryan Mbeumo’s £70 million transfer to Manchester United, and Omar Marmoush’s £70 million deal with City last year.
Historically, Ghanaian transfers have featured prominently in European football. Thomas Partey’s £45 million move from Atlético Madrid to Arsenal in 2020 long stood as the pinnacle, followed by Kudus’ initial £38.4 million shift from Ajax to West Ham in 2023 and Michael Essien’s £24.4 million arrival at Chelsea from Lyon in 2005.
Other notable deals include Baba Rahman’s £21.7 million Chelsea signing in 2015 and Kamaldeen Sulemana’s £22 million Southampton transfer in 2023.
For Manchester City, Semenyo provides versatility in attack amid a challenging season, potentially slotting in alongside Erling Haaland. Bournemouth, meanwhile, pocketed a club-record fee to bolster their squad in the fight against relegation.
This move continues a trend of high-profile Ghanaian exports, echoing past stars like Essien and Asamoah Gyan, whose transfers helped pave the way for today’s generation.<
