Antoine Semenyo Set to Seal Dream Move as Transfer Talks Reach Breaking Point

Manchester City appear poised to fend off late interest from Liverpool in securing Antoine Semenyo's transfer from Bournemouth, with fresh reports indicating his agents are scheduled to arrive in Manchester to finalize contract negotiations.

Semenyo has emerged as the Premier League's standout performer over the last year and a half, netting nine times in 17 matches for the Cherries during this season's opening period.

The pursuit of his services was triggered by a £65 million ($87.8 million) buyout clause that formed a crucial part of his new Bournemouth deal signed in July. Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also expressed different degrees of interest in the Ghana striker, but City seem positioned to complete the deal first, even as Liverpool appeared to be preparing their own bid.

Semenyo's agents are anticipated to visit Manchester on Monday and will finalize personal terms for a potential agreement with City, according to Sky Sports News.

Chelsea were previously understood to have contacted the player's representatives directly to assess his interest and wage demands but withdrew from contention shortly after. Interest from United's side was driven more by opportunism than genuine need. Therefore, despite suggestions that Liverpool are prepared to offer Semenyo an alternative, Sky's report indicates that City are believed to be the sole club to have actually contacted Bournemouth regarding the release clause.

With negotiations set to advance over the next several days, City are eager to have a transfer ready for completion once the winter window officially opens on Thursday, Jan. 1.

Man City's Aggressive January Recruitment Strategy Continues

While the January transfer market has traditionally been viewed as offering limited choices or poor value, this would mark the second consecutive season that City have made significant winter investments—provided the £65 million Semenyo transfer materializes.

Twelve months ago, after witnessing their 2024–25 campaign unravel in November, City gained an early advantage on the summer market by initiating essential squad reconstruction half a year ahead of schedule. The verdict remains mixed on most of last January's new signings—injuries and poor form meant Omar Marmoush hadn't found the net in Premier League action this season before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations—but Nico González has proven a valuable midfield addition given Rodri's continuing fitness issues.

In total, over £170 million was invested in four new signings, with an additional £65 million now earmarked for Semenyo, who is expected to help reduce the scoring pressure on Erling Haaland.

Man City January Spending in 2024–25