All Players Who Played for Both Manchester City and Bournemouth

1. Antoine Semenyo

• AFC Bournemouth: 2022-2025 (Apps: 110 | Goals: 32 | Assists: 11) | Manchester City FC: 2025-2026 (Apps: 28 | Goals: 11 | Assists: 3)

Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo is undoubtedly the most prominent modern figure among the players who played for both Manchester City and Bournemouth.

Originally coming through the youth academy ranks at Bristol City, Semenyo secured a reported £9 million move to Bournemouth in January 2023. During his stint at the Vitality Stadium, he established himself as an absolute star.

His explosive pace, physical presence, and eye for goal helped him net 32 times in 110 appearances, cementing his status as a fan favorite and a critical attacking asset in their Premier League campaigns.

His outstanding performances on the South Coast did not go unnoticed by the English heavyweights. In the summer of 2025, Manchester City secured his signature to bolster their elite attacking depth. Transitioning directly from Bournemouth to City, Semenyo faced the immense pressure of stepping up to a world-class squad, but he quickly silenced any doubters upon arrival.

In his debut 2025-2026 season in Manchester, Semenyo made an immediate and profound impact. Featuring in 28 matches, he delivered an impressive return of 11 goals and 3 assists.

Whether deployed on the wings or utilized centrally, his seamless transition from a promising Cherries forward to a vital component of the tactical setup has been nothing short of a massive success.

2. Nathan Aké

• AFC Bournemouth: 2016-2019 (Apps: 121 | Goals: 11 | Assists: 5) | Manchester City FC: 2020-2025 (Apps: 177 | Goals: 10 | Assists: 3)

Emerging from Chelsea’s youth system, Aké initially joined Bournemouth on a season-long loan in 2016. After proving his exceptional defensive capabilities, the Cherries broke their club transfer record to sign him permanently for a reported £20 million in the summer of 2017.

Over a successful three-year period, he became the bedrock of their defense, making 121 appearances and solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable center-backs.

When Bournemouth suffered relegation, Manchester City quickly swooped in, securing the defender directly for a substantial fee in the summer of 2020. At the Etihad, Aké blossomed into an elite tactical asset under Pep Guardiola, playing a crucial role in multiple Premier League title victories and a historic treble.

Across his 177 appearances, Aké’s intelligence, aerial ability, and versatility proved indispensable, making his tenure a resounding triumph for both clubs.

3. Sylvain Distin

• AFC Bournemouth: 2015 (Apps: 17 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0) | Manchester City FC: 2002-2006 (Apps: 182 | Goals: 5 | Assists: 2)

French center-back Sylvain Distin took a distinctly different path when he transferred between the two clubs. He originally joined Manchester City in 2002 from Paris Saint-Germain for a then-club-record fee for a defender of £4 million.

Over four foundational years, Distin was a monumental success in Manchester. He won the club’s Player of the Year award in his debut season and was eventually handed the captain’s armband, commanding the backline across 182 hard-fought games.

Following his highly successful spell in Manchester, Distin became a respected Premier League journeyman, enjoying solid years at Portsmouth, Everton, and Aston Villa. It wasn’t until 2015, in the twilight of his extensive career, that he joined Bournemouth on a free transfer.

Unfortunately, his time on the South Coast lacked the glory of his earlier days. Serving mainly as a rotational veteran, he made just 17 appearances before departing, leaving a rather negligible footprint on the club’s broader history.

4. David James

• AFC Bournemouth: 2012 (Apps: 19 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0) | Manchester City FC: 2003-2005 (Apps: 93 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0)

Former England goalkeeper David James remains one of the most memorable dual-club players to grace both stadiums. He joined Manchester City midway through the 2003-2004 campaign from West Ham United.

James experienced a dramatic, albeit relatively short, two-year spell at City, most famously remembered for being deployed as an emergency center-forward in a crucial final-day match. Despite his mixed fortunes and unpredictable style, he was largely viewed as a successful, reliable shot-stopper during his 93 outings.

After leaving Manchester, James embarked on a winding journey that saw him win an FA Cup with Portsmouth and enjoy a spell at Bristol City. In 2012, at the age of 42, the veteran goalkeeper signed for Bournemouth. His stint was brief, lasting less than a season with only 19 appearances to his name.

While his vast experience was respected in the dressing room, he mutually terminated his contract in March 2013.

5. Lee Bradbury

• AFC Bournemouth: 2007-2010 (Apps: 127 | Goals: 10 | Assists: 11) | Manchester City FC: 1997-1998 (Apps: 40 | Goals: 10 | Assists: 0)

Striker Lee Bradbury transferred directly to Manchester City from Portsmouth in 1997 for a club-record fee of £3.5 million.

Placed under immense pressure to justify his price tag, Bradbury largely flopped; he managed just 10 goals in 40 appearances as the club suffered a disastrous relegation to the third tier of English football.

Following his disappointing Manchester City exit, Bradbury became a true footballing nomad. He turned out for Crystal Palace, Birmingham City, Sheffield Wednesday, Walsall, Oxford United, and Southend United.

Eventually, he arrived at Bournemouth in 2007, where he completely revitalized his career. Transitioning into a deeper, more industrious role, he became a highly respected and successful figure over 127 matches.

He later stepped into management at the club, leaving a deeply positive legacy on the South Coast that sharply contrasted with his Manchester struggles.

4. Others Players Who Played for both Manchester City and Bournemouth

4.1. Nick Fenton

• AFC Bournemouth: 1999-2000 (Apps: 13 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0) | Manchester City FC: 1996-1999 (Apps: 15 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0)

A product of the Manchester City academy, Fenton struggled to break into the first team. He enjoyed a brief loan spell at Bournemouth to gain first-team minutes before moving on to carve out a steady career in the lower leagues.

4.2. Tony Scully

• AFC Bournemouth: 1994 (Apps: 10 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0) | Manchester City FC: 1997 (Apps: 9 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0)

The well-traveled winger had very brief, largely forgotten stints at both clubs, making only a handful of appearances without finding the back of the net for either side.

4.3. Matt Mills

• AFC Bournemouth: 2004 (Apps: 12 | Goals: 3 | Assists: 0) | Manchester City FC: 2005-2006 (Apps: 2 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0)

After an impressive initial loan spell at Bournemouth from Southampton, the promising defender was snapped up by Manchester City. However, he failed to make the grade at the Etihad, featuring just twice before being moved on to continue his career elsewhere.