Antoine Semenyo has etched his name into Ghanaian football history after completing a record-breaking £65 million transfer from Bournemouth to Manchester City, making him the most expensive Ghanaian player of all time.
The 26-year-old Black Stars forward surpassed the previous record set by Mohammed Kudus just six months earlier. Semenyo’s move to the Etihad Stadium includes an initial £62.5 million fee paid in instalments, with additional performance-related bonuses. The landmark transfer underscores the rising market value of Ghanaian and African talent in the Premier League.
With Semenyo now wearing Manchester City’s iconic sky-blue jersey, here is a closer look at the seven most expensive Ghanaian footballers in history.
Top 7 Most Expensive Ghanaian Players of All Time
7. Asamoah Gyan – £13 million (Rennes to Sunderland)
In 2010, Sunderland paid a then club-record £13 million to sign Ghana’s all-time leading scorer from French side Rennes. Gyan quickly endeared himself to fans, scoring 15 goals in 37 appearances. Although his stay in England was short, his impact was significant before he moved to Al Ain in the UAE.
6. Andre Ayew – £20.5 million (Swansea City to West Ham United)
West Ham broke their transfer record in 2016 to acquire Andre Ayew for £20.5 million. Expectations were high, but injuries and inconsistent form limited his influence. Nevertheless, Ayew contributed 12 goals and five assists in 50 appearances for the Hammers.
5. Baba Rahman – £21.7 million (Augsburg to Chelsea)
After impressing in the Bundesliga, Baba Rahman secured a big-money move to Chelsea in 2015. Valued at £21.7 million, the left-back struggled for regular playing time at Stamford Bridge, managing just 23 appearances amid injuries and multiple loan spells.
4. Michael Essien – £24.4 million (Lyon to Chelsea)
Michael Essien’s 2005 transfer from Lyon to Chelsea was a historic deal at the time. The £24.4 million fee made him Chelsea’s most expensive signing then, surpassing even Didier Drogba. Over nine seasons, Essien made more than 250 appearances and won nine major trophies with the club.
3. Mohammed Kudus – £38.4 million (Ajax to West Ham United)
Kudus announced himself in the Premier League after joining West Ham from Ajax for £38.4 million. In his debut season, he delivered 18 goals and 10 assists across 48 matches. Although his numbers dipped slightly in his second campaign, he remained a key figure for the London club.
2. Thomas Partey – £50 million (Atletico Madrid to Arsenal)
Thomas Partey’s deadline-day move to Arsenal in 2020 sent shockwaves through the football world. The £50 million transfer made him the most expensive Ghanaian player at the time. A mainstay in Arsenal’s midfield, Partey has made over 160 appearances, earning praise for his composure and defensive intelligence.
1. Antoine Semenyo – £65 million (Bournemouth to Manchester City)
Semenyo now tops the list following his sensational switch to Manchester City. His £65 million transfer represents a new benchmark for Ghanaian footballers and highlights his meteoric rise in recent seasons. The deal eclipses all previous records and cements Semenyo’s status as the most valuable Ghanaian player in history.
Semenyo’s historic move is a testament to his development and consistency, as well as the growing influence of Ghanaian footballers on the global stage. As the Premier League continues to attract elite African talent, his transfer sets a new standard for future generations of Black Stars players.
Source: Yen.com.gh
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