Antoine Semenyo's Premier League Future: Five Clubs Ready to Battle for the Rising Star
Antoine Semenyo has become the center of Premier League transfer speculation—with Bournemouth unable to stop the 25-year-old's departure in January due to a release clause included in his contract.
The Ghana international penned fresh terms with the Cherries during the summer, but the new agreement featured a fixed £65 million ($85.5 million) buyout option that can be activated until a certain date in the January transfer window. This clause amount will decrease if Bournemouth keeps him through to the 2026 summer market.
Following an outstanding 2024–25 season that earned him a £70 million ($92 million) price tag, Semenyo has become Bournemouth's key player this campaign. He's been among the Premier League's top performers, recording nine goal contributions across 11 matches, and appears destined to join an exclusive group of English top-flight forwards who transferred to one of the 'big six' clubs for fees between £55 million and £70 million in 2026.
Mohammed Kudus, João Pedro, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Eberechi Eze all made such moves last summer.
With interest in Semenyo intensifying, here are five possible Premier League clubs for the versatile winger—ranked by transfer probability.
5. Manchester United
Manchester United showed interest in acquiring Semenyo during the summer, having already secured Wolverhampton Wanderers' Cunha early in the window.
Nevertheless, they, alongside Tottenham Hotspur, were put off by Bournemouth's steep asking price, though their July valuation now appears more reasonable given Semenyo's explosive season start.
Consequently, they shifted focus to Bryan Mbeumo and their attacking lineup, when healthy, now features three new signings costing over £200 million ($263 million).
Therefore, despite their earlier interest, United seem unlikely to chase the 25-year-old again. Their transfer priorities focus on different areas this winter.
Likelihood Rating: 4/10
4. Manchester City
Manchester City have invested heavily over the last two transfer windows to accelerate Pep Guardiola's squad overhaul.
2024–25 proved disappointing for the Citizens, and there have been challenges in 2025–26. Nevertheless, their 3–0 triumph over the champions before the November international break, where Jérémy Doku excelled, demonstrated their championship potential. The Citizens, led by the exceptional Erling Haaland and an improving Doku, look threatening once again.
Guardiola certainly has plenty of wide options, including Omar Marmoush, Bernardo Silva, Savinho, Oscar Bobb, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki among the Spaniard's choices, and Doku's development this season has reduced the requirement for someone like Semenyo.
However, the Ghanaian would bring clinical finishing and match-changing ability to a City team that's embracing counter-attacking football.
Likelihood Rating: 5/10
3. Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham fans want the ENIC Group to back their words with action.
Reports from N17 suggest increased spending and a more assertive transfer strategy, and Thomas Frank requires better attacking quality.
Wilson Odobert is progressing well on the left flank, but Semenyo represents a potential match-winner. His blend of strength, ambidexterity and excellent shooting make the 25-year-old a formidable challenge for any Premier League defense, and Spurs have shown previous interest.
Unlike Man United, it's logical for the Lilywhites to revisit this opportunity, and their relatively sound finances mean they should feel confident about completing a winter deal.
However, Semenyo might prefer to wait for other options.
Likelihood Rating: 6/10
2. Arsenal
Arsenal haven't been mentioned as a possible destination for the Ghana international, but their left-wing spot is considered by many as still needing improvement.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have both shown quality this season; the former in European competition and the latter in domestic matches. Still, the Gunners could have an opportunity to add what some consider the missing piece to their squad this winter.
Semenyo isn't a marquee signing like Rafael Leão or Rodrygo, but he's a highly effective Premier League winger who has declared himself an Arsenal supporter and would likely relish the opportunity to play for the Gunners.
Sources indicate the league leaders might need to sell before purchasing this winter, but this transfer makes sense for everyone involved.
Likelihood Rating: 7/10
1. Liverpool
Liverpool likely have different priorities in January, but they're still considered the leading candidates for Semenyo's services.
Despite acquiring two excellent strikers, some argue the club didn't properly replace Luis Díaz in the summer, with Cody Gakpo stepping into that role. The Dutch player is a capable wide option with scoring ability, but he's not the game-changer who could help the Reds escape their current difficult period.
Semenyo, conversely, possesses the determination and physicality that Gakpo lacks. His game offers much more diversity, and he appears well-suited to Arne Slot, who experienced the full Antoine Semenyo impact on the season's opening night.
Whether the racist incident Semenyo endured that evening from a Liverpool fan will influence a potential transfer remains uncertain.
Likelihood Rating: 8/10