Manchester United and Liverpool are already at the centre of January transfer speculation, with the futures of Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes uncertain. Salah made headlines with a bombshell interview claiming he was being pushed out of Anfield, though he now appears reconciled with Arne Slot. A move to Saudi Arabia, however, cannot be ruled out.
Meanwhile, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has sparked his own speculation over a potential Middle East switch, leaving the Red Devils facing a key decision regarding their star midfielder. If either Salah or Fernandes departs, both Liverpool and United are considering moves for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs. The 25-year-old, whose £65m release clause activates in January, is expected to play a pivotal role in the winter transfer window.
The Ghana international has scored 29 goals in over 100 appearances for Bournemouth. This season, Semenyo has already registered seven goals and three assists across all competitions. According to The Telegraph, Manchester United will go all-out to sign Semenyo, hoping uncertainty over Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City could work in their favour. United had previously pursued the Ghanaian last summer but balked at Bournemouth’s £80m asking price. Now, the release clause makes the move more feasible.
United meanwhile, face additional pressure after losing forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, as well as defender Noussair Mazraoui, to the Africa Cup of Nations, while Semenyo remains available due to Ghana failing to qualify. Tottenham, who also expressed interest last summer, are still keen on the forward.
Liverpool are also monitoring Semenyo amid ongoing uncertainty over Salah, who has been linked with a Saudi Arabia move while away at AFCON with Egypt. The Reds have already held positive talks with Bournemouth over a possible move for Semenyo. Any potential deal for Semenyo is expected to happen early in the January window as clubs look to strengthen ahead of the business end of the season.
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