Man Utd’s Antoine Semenyo meeting and transfer ‘acceptance’ | Football | Sport
Antoine Semenyo’s future is set to be a hot topic in the January transfer window. The Bournemouth forward has been on fire this season, scoring six goals and providing three assists in the first 11 Premier League games. Two of those goals were scored against Liverpool on the opening night, as Bournemouth managed to level the scores at Anfield before eventually losing 4-2. Despite not having scored or assisted since October, interest in the 25-year-old remains high.
The Ghana international has a £65million release clause in January, according to The Athletic, fuelling speculation about his future. Semenyo signed a new contract with Bournemouth in July, which was supposed to keep him at the club until 2030. However, both Liverpool and Manchester United could challenge for Semenyo’s signature this winter, with Tottenham also reportedly interested. This wouldn’t be the first time that Semenyo has been linked with one of the ‘Big Six’ clubs.
Bournemouth in transfer agreement
Bournemouth have reportedly internally agreed that they can’t prevent Semenyo from leaving in January, despite their desire to keep him until at least the end of the season.
The Athletic initially revealed details of his £65m release clause, alongside Bournemouth’s acknowledgement that a summer exit could materialise within six weeks. Crucially, any interested club, whether domestic or overseas, must trigger the clause by a specified deadline, providing Bournemouth with a fortnight to secure a replacement.
During a recent discussion, Bournemouth’s general manager Tim Bezbatchenko conceded he would find it difficult to prevent Semenyo from joining an elite side, specifically referencing Liverpool. “When a club like Real Madrid, Liverpool, PSG come in and they’re competing for Champions League positions, who are we to say, ‘No, you can’t go, you can’t fulfil your dream’,” Bezbatchenko told the Business of Sport podcast.
“No it wouldn’t be like that for all clubs because not everyone is Real Madrid. But there is an opportunity and everybody wins right? I think that’s what we’re trying to find, this commonality where everybody can win.”
Ruben Amorim meeting and Man Utd talks
Given United’s acquisitions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, plus their pursuit of players such as Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton, the club’s strategy of targeting established Premier League talent is evident.
This approach led Ruben Amorim to arrange a London dinner with Semenyo towards the conclusion of last season to evaluate his personality.
Old Trafford bosses Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox reportedly held discussions with Bournemouth, with United prepared to fork out £55m. However, The Transfers Podcast claim that Semenyo turned down their approach upon learning that United planned to offer him less than their other targets.
Liverpool’s position
Despite shelling out £320m just a few months ago to revamp their attack, the Premier League champions Liverpool are still on the hunt for new additions. Numerous reports suggest that Liverpool have their eye on the 25-year-old, who made a move to Bournemouth from Bristol City for £10m in 2023.
On the face of it, Semenyo might struggle to secure a spot in Arne Slot‘s team, but their performance this season indicates that a proven goalscorer could be just what they need. But can they justify another hefty expenditure in the same financial year?
