LONDON, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Manchester City confirmed on Friday that it has completed the signing of Ghana international Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a deal reportedly worth about 65 million pounds, marking a record sale for the Cherries.
Manchester City is reported to have triggered Semenyo's release clause before Saturday, agreeing to pay 62.5 million pounds in 24 monthly instalments, with additional bonuses included in the agreement.
The 26-year-old has penned a five-and-a-half-year deal, which will see him stay at the Etihad Stadium through to 2031, Manchester City said in a statement.
"I am so proud to have joined Manchester City," Semenyo said.
"They have set the highest of standards and it's a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep (Guardiola)."
"I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It's a real privilege to be here," he added.
Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana praised the signing, saying: "Antoine is a really exciting signing for the football club. He made it clear to us immediately that it was City he wanted to join."
"He has huge quality. Two great feet, pace, power, a habit of influencing games and, importantly, real room for growth and development," he said.
Semenyo arrives at the Etihad in strong form, having scored four goals in his last six matches for Bournemouth. He sits third in this season's Premier League scoring charts with 10 goals from 20 games, behind his new Manchester City teammate Erling Haaland (20) and Brentford's Igor Thiago (16). ■