Manchester City have made their first move of the 2026 January transfer window, signing Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth and handing the Ghana international a shirt that carries serious weight at the Etihad. Semenyo will wear No. 42 — the number last made famous by Yaya Touré — in a transfer widely reported to be worth around £65 million and tied to a long-term deal through 2031.

It sounds like a nod to a legend, but Semenyo’s choice has a simpler root. He says No. 42 was the first professional squad number he wore at Bristol City, and with No. 24 (his Bournemouth number) taken at City, he returned to the original. The forward, 26, arrives in strong form, having already hit double figures in the Premier League this season, and he lands in a City side still fighting on four fronts.

Why No. 42 at Manchester City still matters

For City fans, 42 is more than two digits. It’s a memory bank of big goals and big nights under Yaya Touré. Since Touré left in 2018, no senior player has worn it. Touré’s numbers underline the scale of that legacy:

• 316 appearances
• 82 goals
• Three Premier League titles
• Three domestic cup wins

Semenyo, though, isn’t playing copycat. As he put it via the club’s channels and supporting coverage: “It was the first number I wore at Bristol City when I signed. It has always stayed with me. I had the option of 42 or 24, but since 24 wasn’t available, I reverted to my original number. That’s the inspiration behind it.”

“It’s not about replacing Yaya—it’s about writing a new No. 42 story.”

Inside the deal: fee, length and the City plan

Manchester City describe Semenyo as their first January signing of 2026. Multiple reports place the fee at £62.5 million plus £1.5 million in bonuses, or broadly “around £65 million.” The contract is reported to run until 2031, signaling real commitment from both club and player.

That price tag says this is more than depth. City believe Semenyo’s pace, pressing and clean finishing will translate in Pep Guardiola’s structure. He arrives with Premier League production already on the board, including a reputation for late, decisive moments — like his 95th-minute winner for Bournemouth at Tottenham while wearing No. 24.

“£65m says City see Semenyo as more than depth—he’s here to decide games.”

Semenyo’s message: pride, potential and four trophies to chase

“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City,” Semenyo told the club’s official channels after the announcement. He spoke openly about the team’s dominance under Pep Guardiola over the last decade and the standards set in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.

“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, underlining that he thinks his best football is still ahead. “City are in a great position—still involved in four competitions. I really feel I can help them have a strong second half of the season.” He also stressed his excitement to perform at the Etihad: “The Etihad is my new home. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans and show everyone what I can do.”

From No. 24 at Bournemouth to No. 42 at City

Semenyo’s shirt journey tells a tidy story. He wore 42 at Bristol City at the start of his professional career. The No. 24 at Bournemouth became part of his identity too, particularly during a breakout run that convinced top clubs he was ready for the next step. With 24 taken at City, the return to 42 is a nod to his beginnings rather than a bid to imitate Touré.

He explained it simply: “It was either 42 or 24 – 24 wasn’t available so I went back to my first number.” There’s comfort in that choice. For forwards, rhythm and routine matter. The number is a small piece of a big transition, and this one is rooted in familiarity.

“Pep plus pace plus pressing? Semenyo could be City’s chaos option.”

Tactical fit: what Guardiola gets with Semenyo

Under Guardiola, City value forwards who stretch the line, press with purpose, and finish moves cleanly. Reports highlight Semenyo’s speed and finishing as key strengths — traits that can open space for City’s creators and punish teams who hold a high line.

There’s also the matter of timing. City remain alive in four competitions, and freshness in attack is vital in the second half of the season. Semenyo’s direct running offers a different tempo at the top end of the pitch, useful both from the start and as an impact option off the bench.

Living with the number without the burden

Wearing No. 42 at City will always draw a line back to Touré, but Semenyo has made it clear the choice is personal, not performative. That clarity helps. He doesn’t need to mirror a midfielder who defined an era; he just needs to score goals, help win games, and grow inside a team that knows how to win.

If anything, the number can be a quiet motivator. Touré’s legacy sets a standard of excellence, but it doesn’t set the job description. Semenyo’s task is simpler: keep the net moving, keep the press sharp, and add another threat to a squad built for big nights from January to May.

The bottom line

Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City is a statement of intent and planning. The club get a 26-year-old Premier League forward on a long-term deal, already producing and hungry for more. The player gets a stage he has long eyed — and the chance to make No. 42 mean something new.

It’s a smart fit, the price reflects today’s market, and the objective is clear: help power City through a heavy run-in. Touré wrote one chapter in 42. Now Semenyo picks up the pen.