The big controversy: Antoine Semenyo has lit up the Premier League at times for Bournemouth, but his release clause means he is wanted by Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United and could easily become available in January.
The transfer window isn’t open yet, but we already know that Antoine Semenyo’s future promises to be a big topic in January.
The Bournemouth star opted to remain on the south coast after expressing interest in the summer, penning a new contract ahead of the start of the season. But it always seemed like a temporary solution, especially after details of the £65m release clause in his contract became public.
The Ghanaian, who scored nine goals in 17 appearances for Bournemouth, is a hot asset and is almost certain to move in early 2026.
The forward is said to be hoping for the deal to be completed at the beginning of the month. Manchester City are leading the race and want to complete the transfer quickly. However, there is also interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham.
We asked Mirror Football’s team of writers who Semenyo should join next month… or if he’d be better off staying with the Cherries and Andoni Iraola.
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Andy Dunn
First of all, Semenyo and Bournemouth need to strike while the iron is relatively hot. Indeed, Semenyo has scored in the last three Premier League games, but none of those goals resulted in a victory, and before this goal there were seven blanks.
Semenyo also has 10 games without an assist in the Premier League. The £65m release fee will be met in the January transfer window this year, but there is no guarantee that figure will be deemed valuable in the summer if the Ghanaian remains at Bournemouth.
So the move in January makes all the sense. For a 26-year-old whose career numbers are good but not amazing, it’s good to see there are so many talented suitors, and a move to Manchester City has obvious appeal.
However, Semenyo’s best bet could be Manchester United. At City, Semenho will have to take his chances through manager Josep Guardiola’s fickle selection process. It doesn’t always work out – just ask Jack Grealish.
And unless Mohamed Salah leaves, Semenyo will also face a tough battle for a place in Liverpool’s starting XI. There is certainly competition at Old Trafford, but it now feels like an exciting project and Semenyo could become more than just an option and could become a key figure in it.
Jeremy Cross
Semenyo is forced to make a big decision. But one thing we do know is that he has to leave Bournemouth. Semenyo deserves to showcase his skills on the biggest stage. This would preclude a move to Manchester United, which has ruined talents like his in recent years.
A move to Liverpool as a potential successor to Mo Salah would be a thankless task given what the Egyptian king has achieved. Liverpool are going through a period of great uncertainty regarding Arne Slott.
This makes Manchester City the top destination for Semenyo. He will have to work hard to earn regular minutes under Guardiola, but there are no guarantees.
But when it comes to improving your skills, you’ll be learning from the best managers in the industry. Needless to say, we won the trophy.
sam mead
Semenyo’s decision to remain at Bournemouth in the summer looks like a brilliant move, especially considering the struggles of his former team-mates. Liverpool’s Milos Kerkes is a good example.
His release clause makes him very easy to get, but if he can stay at the Cherries and get a deal done to move for the same fee in the summer, I’d stay where I am. Mid-season transfers always come with risks. There is no preseason to understand their patterns.
And by waiting a few months, Semenyo will be able to find out the situation at different clubs. If Salah is indeed destined to move on, perhaps a move to Liverpool would become more attractive. Manchester City are the obvious option, but he will have to accept that he will not play every minute. So if I were him, I’d stick rather than twist now.
john cross
Semenyo should go to Manchester City and become an absolute superstar. There’s nothing like being wanted, pursued, and championed. Especially if Guardiola is the manager who wants you.
What a great opportunity for one of the best wingers in the Premier League. He can play with both feet, on both wings, is a great personality, a leader and a big goalscorer.
This guy has a lot going for him. He has been phenomenal for Bournemouth and I was surprised the club didn’t put more effort into signing him last summer. But the reason he chooses City over the likes of Liverpool or Manchester United is because he feels wanted. It’s a feeling that the best manager in the Premier League is giving him an incredible platform to get the team back on the upswing and shine.
Yes, there will be competition for places. However, City moved to sign him despite having the likes of Jeremy Doku and Sabinho in their depth. But my view of Savinho is that he is a step above. What is interesting is that Semenyo renegotiated his contract and Bournemouth knew that inserting the clause would leave them vulnerable.
Uncertainty is definitely affecting Bournemouth, but it highlights the quality of the players.
scott trotter
Bournemouth and Semenyo have been preparing for a January departure since the Cherries star signed a new contract, so now is the time to make a move. However, mid-season transfers are not always a wise decision.
Semenyo has many suitors and a lot of uncertainty. No one knows where Liverpool and Manchester United will finish the season, but trophies and European football will be high on the agenda if Semenyo leaves the south coast.
It is therefore understandable why Manchester City appear to be the player’s favorite choice. While playing time is not immediately guaranteed, there is a chance he could win a Premier League winners’ medal.
Semenyo’s versatility will provide him with multiple opportunities to enter Guardiola’s mind. And the move brings him the opportunity to work with one of the most iconic coaches of his era.
Some may point to Guardiola’s future as a reason to look elsewhere, but Ruben Amorim and Arne Slott haven’t always been seen as safe options in recent months.
neil mcleman
Do Manchester City really need Antoine Semenyo? Or will they sign the Ghanaian forward to stop their title rivals from signing the Premier League’s best player from a club that hasn’t played in Europe this season?
Guardiola has spent a lot of money in the last two games and summer signing Rayan Cherki has played well, with City winning eight games in a row. The system and players are working well.
Liverpool may need a replacement for Mo Salah in January, but they would be better off signing Marc Guech six months before his contract ends. Arsenal bought Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke to play out wide in the summer, but cannot continue to spend.
City would be a great move for Semenyo, but there is also a historic caveat from a club that made big money moves late in the season. In March 1972, with City finishing fourth, four points behind the leaders, Malcolm Allison paid Rodney Marsh a club-record £200,000.
Aston Villa made the mistake of signing Tony Cascarino in March 1990. Then in February 1996, with Kevin Keegan’s side trailing by nine points at the top of the table and four behind Manchester United, Newcastle signed Faustino Asprilla for £6.7 million.
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