Antoine Semenyo Delivers Explosive Transfer Warning to Man Utd and Liverpool
Bournemouth's attacking midfielder Antoine Semenyo is prepared to advance his career to the next level, according to Ghana's national team coach Otto Addo, who has given encouragement to clubs interested in the 25-year-old player.
Semenyo's potential transfer became a frequent discussion point during the summer transfer period, with clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United showing strong interest before his five-year contract renewal temporarily quieted the transfer talk.
However, it wasn't long before transfer rumors began circulating again this season. Semenyo accumulated six goals and three assists in the opening seven matches of the current season, after which reports emerged that his new deal contains a release clause valued at £65 million ($86.6 million).
Both Manchester United and Liverpool are understood to hold him in high regard, while Manchester City are reportedly considering seriously activating that release clause as soon as the January transfer period.
"He has performed excellently at Bournemouth, but with complete respect for Bournemouth and their achievements, it's only natural for him to progress to the next level," Ghana's head coach Addo explained to The Athletic.
"Whether that happens in January or summer is another matter, but it won't affect [Ghana]. I'm excited to see him demonstrate more of his abilities to the global audience."
Where Could Antoine Semenyo Move in January?
£65 million appears reasonable for a player displaying Semenyo's early season quality, though potential buyers will have reservations about his recent decline in performance, although he's certainly not alone among Bournemouth players in experiencing this dip.
Nevertheless, Semenyo's impressive displays earlier this campaign were hardly a one-off occurrence. He netted 11 goals and contributed six additional assists last season and has demonstrated his ability to create significant challenges for Premier League defenders when performing at his peak.
This additional source of goals and creativity makes Semenyo, an established Premier League performer, highly attractive entering a January window where nearly all his high-profile admirers will be seeking to address various poor runs of form that have left them behind in the championship chase.
City seem to be the leading candidates for Semenyo's services, though Liverpool possess the benefit of sporting director Richard Hughes' connection, having brought the winger to Bournemouth in 2023.
Meanwhile, United appear to have reduced their pursuit of Semenyo as they focus on targets in different areas of the field, suggesting the battle for the 25-year-old's services might not be intense come January.