Bournemouth Star Antoine Semenyo Sparks Controversy as Liverpool and Man City Battle for His Signature

Antoine Semenyo's potential transfer to Manchester City has become significantly more complex, with a "dramatic development" emerging as Liverpool renews their pursuit and conflicting timelines create complications, according to widespread reports from various English media sources.

Pep Guardiola remained evasive this weekend regarding his team's pursuit of a deal that many considered virtually complete. The City manager's caution appears increasingly warranted following news of Liverpool's revitalized interest.

Bournemouth anticipate a "substantial" bid for their key striker from the reigning Premier League titleholders in the upcoming days, as initially reported by the Daily Mail. The club's sporting director Richard Hughes concluded his playing career with the Cherries before serving as their technical director for a decade until joining Liverpool in 2024.

Hughes was present on the south coast when Semenyo was acquired from Bristol City in 2023 and is anticipated to submit an offer for the player—with the transfer value established, only personal agreements remain to be negotiated.

This marks a late shift in strategy from Liverpool, who had previously shown no concrete intention of submitting an actual bid for Semenyo, according to The Telegraph. Alexander Isak's leg injury, combined with an already thin attacking roster, may have triggered the increased urgency.

"Urgency" remains the crucial factor in this potential deal.

Timeline for Semenyo Transfer Causing Complications—Reports

Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola has expressed clearly to Semenyo and all interested parties that he is determined to retain his leading goalscorer for as long as realistically possible. While the Spanish manager's hopes for an extended stay may prove unrealistic, he confirmed this weekend that the 25-year-old will remain a Bournemouth player for the club's challenging upcoming fixture list.

Before matches against Chelsea (Dec. 30), Arsenal (Jan. 3) and Tottenham (Jan. 7), Iraola stated: "He will be ready to feature again in three days [against Chelsea] and then the following match [against Arsenal] and I hope he continues playing many more games with us."

Semenyo's buyout clause is believed to remain active only until Jan. 10 and the player reportedly wants his departure finalized by New Year's Day, according to BBC Sport. This generates tension given Iraola's public position.

The wish to prevent a "prolonged" transfer saga drives Semenyo's push for swift resolution. His decision between Liverpool or Manchester City is expected to depend on which club presents the most "appropriate opportunity" to fulfill his primary goal: winning major silverware.

For either club to successfully meet Semenyo's requirements, they must first demonstrate their ability to move swiftly.