Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo is set to be involved in the biggest deal of the January transfer window as he battles to sign with Manchester City and Liverpool
Bournemouth are preparing for further developments in the race to sign Antoine Semenho, with Liverpool expected to rival Manchester City in a bid for the former Premier League champion, with the former Premier League champions emerging as a potential suitor for the popular attacker.
Semenyo will be available for £65m with this clause included in his contract last year. The Reds are yet to take action but must beat City to seal the deal after Thursday, when the £65m release clause in the player’s contract kicks in.
Reds sporting director Richard Hughes was at Bournemouth when Semenyo signed from Bristol City in 2023, and the Telegraph reports that Liverpool are familiar with the player.
Chelsea have already pulled out of the race, but Manchester United are also interested in the Premier League star. Liverpool don’t seem to have given up hope just yet, with Hughes having previously pushed through to sign Semenyo despite suffering a shin injury.
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Importantly, City are now Semenyo’s preferred destination. Bournemouth are bracing for more twists and turns even when the window opens.
The Cherries insist they want to keep Semenyo until the takeover deadline expires on January 10. That means the winger could feature against Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal. Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was asked about Semenyo’s future after the 4-1 win over Brentford. “No, the more games Antoine can play for us (the better),” Iraola said/
“If he can play for us for years, that’s much better! If he can’t do it for years, then months is fine. If he can only play for a few weeks, that’s a few weeks, but the more time he plays with us, the better for us.”
“The situation with Antoine is very clear. Antoine is a big player for us and even in games like today, where he probably hasn’t played well, he’s always a threat to score and assist.
“Of course I don’t want to lose him. This is very clear, but there are some circumstances that are not in my control. He will be able to play again in three days (against Chelsea) and the next game after that, and I hope he plays more with us.”
In contrast, Semenyo is said to be keen to complete the deal at the earliest opportunity. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can change that.
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