Antoine Semenyo’s £65m Man City move triggers rare praise in UK Parliament

Antoine Semenyo’s rapid ascent from a mid-table Premier League forward to a £65 million Manchester City signing has taken an unusual turn beyond football, finding its way into formal debate on the floor of the UK Parliament.

The Ghana international’s transfer from AFC Bournemouth to the reigning English champions has been cited by lawmakers as an example of professionalism, humility and responsible conduct in modern sport.

Semenyo, 26, completed his high-profile switch to the Etihad Stadium earlier this month in a deal reported to be worth £65 million, one of the most expensive sales in Bournemouth’s history.

The move represents the latest milestone in a career that has gathered momentum over the past two-and-a-half seasons, during which the forward evolved from a promising squad player into one of the Premier League’s most effective attackers.

While Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City secured a versatile and explosive addition to their attacking options, it was Semenyo’s actions off the pitch that drew national political attention.

During parliamentary proceedings on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Tom Hayes, the Labour Member of Parliament for Bournemouth East, referenced the footballer while contributing to a broader debate on youth behaviour and digital responsibility.

Addressing the House, Hayes paid tribute to Semenyo’s conduct following his departure from the south coast club, describing him as a model professional whose behaviour stood in contrast to the often bitter or impersonal nature of modern football transfers.

“AFC Bournemouth has just said goodbye to Antoine Semenyo,” the MP told Parliament.

“He’s been a superstar on the pitch and a gentleman off it—taking out a four-page advert in the Bournemouth Echo to thank fans for the memories as he sadly went to Manchester City.”

The reference was to a rare and costly four-page advertisement placed by Semenyo in the Bournemouth Echo, the town’s local newspaper, in which he publicly thanked supporters, staff and the wider community for their support during his time at the Vitality Stadium.

In an era dominated by brief social media posts or silence from departing players, the gesture was widely viewed as a mark of respect and gratitude toward the club and its fanbase.

Mr Hayes used the example to strengthen his argument for legislative action aimed at protecting young people from the negative effects of excessive social media use.

Linking Semenyo’s real-world engagement with supporters to the need for healthier offline role models, the MP argued that such conduct should be encouraged among youth.
“In Bournemouth, we need more players like him,” Mr Hayes added.

“That means getting kids outdoors and off their phones, which is why I’m backing raising the minimum social media age to sixteen.”

The parliamentary reference underscored how Semenyo’s influence has extended beyond football, resonating within the local community he leaves behind.

For Bournemouth, his sale represents a major financial boost and a validation of the club’s recruitment and player development strategy.

Semenyo joined the Cherries as a relatively low-profile signing and went on to become a central figure in their Premier League campaigns, combining pace, physicality and consistent goal contributions.