£65m Man City-bound star Semenyo credits faith for his form

Manchester City-bound Antoine Semenyo has taken a public declaration of faith by sharing a video of his baptism on Bournemouth beach.

The Ghanaian international, 25, is closing in on a £65million move to the Etihad from the Cherries and has hailed the impact of religion on his most successful footballing year to date.

'I don't know where to start,' the Bournemouth forward penned on Instagram as he posted his favourite moments from last year.

'The love was endless. These pictures don't even tell the full story but I thank you God for your protection, your blessings and your work over my life. 2026 let's get it!'

The images shared by Semenyo ranged from snapshots of his dachshund to moments with his influencer girlfriend Jordeen and his family. Featuring throughout, however, were references to his faith, including a video of himself taking the plunge of Christianity on a sunny day.

Wearing a white shirt and black trousers, Semenyo submerges beneath the water as the waves crash towards the shore. After rising to his feet, he then looks to the heavens with a huge smile on his face.

The 25-year-old's Instagram profile reads that he is 'powered by Jesus' and, in his latest series of images, he can be seen holding a figurine of Christ wearing a green sash emblazoned with the words 'Jesus [loves] you'.

'On a serious note, thank you God,' the last of the carousel images reads.

Semenyo is expected to join Pep Guardiola's side imminently, but Andoni Iraola has not ruled him out of featuring in Saturday evening's game for the Cherries against Premier League leaders Arsenal.

'It is not his last game,' the Bournemouth boss said. 'I can't say 100 per cent but I think he will play, yes. He needs to recover because we play Arsenal at home in another three days, against top of the league, he will be an important player for us, yes.'

City held talks with Bournemouth on Monday and are keen to wrap up the transfer in the coming days in a bid to bolster Guardiola's attacking options.

The Ghanaian has been one of the Premier League's most impressive players this season, scoring nine and assisting three goals from his 16 league appearances so far, garnering interest from the biggest clubs in the country.

Liverpool had hoped they could lure him to Anfield as they continue to restructure Arne Slot's squad after a historic summer of spending. The Reds' sporting director Richard Hughes oversaw Semenyo's £10million move from Bristol City to Bournemouth in January 2023.

Chelsea also made a late proposal to Semenyo, but have since claimed they walked away and cited depth in attacking areas.

Guardiola was asked about Semenyo by Sky Sports in a press conference on Wednesday but, instead of responding about the deal, he took aim at the broadcasting giants by suggesting that they misrepresent his words.

'You are from Sky, right? OK, good,' Guardiola said on Wednesday. 'I have to be careful what I say. After that, it is completely the opposite (of) what you write and put on the screen.

'That is why I said yesterday before and the day of the game - the transfer window is completely closed right now.'

City drew 0-0 away to Sunderland on Thursday night but Guardiola hailed his side's collection of a point at what has been a notoriously tough place to visit this season.

'A really good game,' the City boss said. 'We take the point. We could not score in the six-yard box - how many times were we in the six-yard box? We could not convert, and of course the threat that they have, they are really good.

'So I'm really pleased by the performance, especially in the second half. They are so physical, they are so strong. We take the point.'