David Ornstein has revealed who Liverpool’s competition is for Antoinne Semenyo.
Liverpool is emerging as frontrunners to sign Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo after details of his £65 million release clause became public.
The 25-year-old Ghana international has been in sensational form this season, registering six goals and three assists in just 11 Premier League appearances—trailing only Erling Haaland for goal contributions across the division.
DaveOCKOP exclusively revealed to you last weekend that the Reds had held initial talks with the Cherries attacker.
Semenyo signed a contract extension at the Vitality Stadium in July that includes a £60 million release clause plus £5 million in add-ons, which becomes active during a specific window in January.
Crucially, the release clause drops to approximately £50 million if clubs wait until the summer transfer window,
Bournemouth general manager Tim Bezbatchenko has openly admitted the Cherries won’t stand in Semenyo’s way should elite clubs like Liverpool or Real Madrid make an approach.
“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.
Now David Ornstein, speaking on the Athletic FC podcast, has revealed that Tottenham and Manchester City, alongside Liverpool, are the trio of clubs “genuinely interested” in Semenyo:
“It sounds like Liverpool have a firm interest… but we don’t know because there will be others contending as well. Man City are credited with an interest. Tottenham [too].
“For the time being, from the many conversations I’ve had, those seem to be the three teams genuinely in the frame… the industry is telling us so far that if there is to be a move it’s sounding more like a Liverpool, Man City, Tottenham direction of travel, subject to change.”
The January timing could prove crucial. While waiting until summer would save Liverpool approximately £15 million due to the reduced release clause, it would also expose them to increased competition if the other clubs also decide to wait.
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