A renowned journalist updated his podcast, talking about Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo’s impending decision to join Manchester City.
Regarding Semenyo’s Move to Manchester City
“I’ve said before that Semenyo’s transfer decision is imminent and close to completion. Now, this transfer is about to be ‘Here we go’, and there will be a result soon. Barring a dramatic twist in this transfer saga at the last minute, Semenyo is expected to become a new Manchester City player. So I think the ‘Here we go’ announcement will be finalized soon.
Next, let me review the entire process of this crazy transfer incident. This transfer saga involves multiple clubs and many people, and Manchester City is on the verge of winning this battle. However, nothing is certain until the deal is sealed. Although it can’t be said to be 100% decided, as things stand, Manchester City has entered the final stage of signing Semenyo from Bournemouth.
From what I know, in the past 12 hours, as I posted on my social media account, Manchester City has been insisting on pushing forward. Early in the morning, Manchester City made it clear to Semenyo: ‘We want you, and we believe you can become an important part of the team.’ Like Manchester United and other clubs, Manchester City has also formulated a tactical plan for Semenyo—he can play as a winger, and in certain situations, Manchester City believes he can also play a more central role when necessary.
Manchester City thinks Semenyo is excellent in terms of speed, technique, goal-scoring ability and physical fitness, which is exactly what the team needs in the second half of the season and in the future. After all, the team will sign a long-term contract with him. So the contact between Manchester City and Semenyo has been very smooth. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has also participated in the dialogue and approved the possibility of signing Semenyo. In the past 12 hours,They has vigorously promoted this matter, roughly meaning: ‘We want you, we regard you as our top target, we are willing to make efforts, but we also hope to get a reply as soon as possible.’
Manchester City will not wait until the first week of January for Semenyo’s decision; they hope to finalize it as soon as possible. Manchester City wants to see the player’s strong desire to join, not hesitation. Semenyo was immediately convinced and decided to make Manchester City his first-choice destination. This is what happened in the past few minutes and hours.
Next, before the ‘Here we go’ announcement for Semenyo’s transfer to Manchester City, the club has now gained the player’s favor. In the next few days, Manchester City will hold talks with Bournemouth. The two sides will have the opportunity to sit down and discuss the payment method of the £65 million release clause—whether to pay in full, or negotiate a plan to pay a different amount in installments over many years (for example, paying £65 million, £67 million or £68 million over many years instead of one or two years).
Regarding the release clause payment terms, this happens from time to time in football, but this is just my speculation; the specific situation remains to be seen. The two sides will discuss and negotiate, and sometimes the player will also participate in the dialogue. So we’ll wait and see. But Manchester City has won the player’s favor, and in any case, Manchester City can activate the release clause. Now it’s a matter of how Manchester City and Bournemouth finalize the structure of the deal, and negotiations will start soon.
Everyone, we must remain cautious until the deal is officially signed and completed. Because in such crazy transfer sagas, anything can happen. Maybe another club will try to rejoin the race and persuade the player—after all, nothing is absolute. But as of tonight,
Manchester City has gained Semenyo’s favor. Manchester City believes they have won this crazy competition.”
