BIG DEBATE: Antoine Semenyo has lit up the Premier League at times for Bournemouth and his release clause means he's easily available in January with Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United all keen
Antoine Semenyo will have a decision to make on his future this January
Antoine Semenyo will have a decision to make on his future this January(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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The transfer window hasn’t even opened yet and we already know that Antoine Semenyo’s future promises to be THE big story in January.
The Bournemouth star opted to stay on the south coast after interest in the summer, signing a new contract to start the season. But that always appeared a temporary solution, particularly after details of a £65million release clause in his deal became public.
With nine goals in 17 Bournemouth appearances, the Ghanaian is hot property and almost certain to be on the move at the start of 2026.
The forward is said to want a deal completed at the start of the month. With Manchester City leading the race and also wanting a move wrapped up quickly. But there is also interest from the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham.
We’ve asked our team of writers at Mirror Football who Semenyo should join next month…or whether he’s better off sticking with the Cherries and Andoni Iraola…
Andy Dunn
First things first, Semenyo and Bournemouth need to strike while the iron is relatively hot. Sure, Semenyo has scored in his last three Premier League games but none of those goals was in a winning cause and this run had been preceded by seven blanks.
Semenyo has also gone ten Premier League matches without an assist. The £65million release clause will be met in this January transfer window but if the Ghanaian stays at Bournemouth, there is no guarantee that figure would be seen as value in the summer.
The Bournemouth ace has scored nine times this term
The Bournemouth ace has scored nine times this term(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth, AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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So, a January move makes sense all round. It is nice for the 26-year-old - whose career numbers are good but not startling - to have so many blue-chip suitors and there is an obvious attraction in a move to Manchester City.
But Semenyo’s best bet could well be Manchester United, if their interest is deadly serious. At City, Semenyo will have to take his chances with the vagaries of the Pep Guardiola selection process. That does not always work out well - ask Jack Grealish.
And unless Mohamed Salah does leave, Semenyo will also face a tough fight for a starting place at Liverpool. There is also competition at Old Trafford, for sure, but it now feels like an exciting project and one that Semenyo could be front and centre of, rather than just another option.
Jeremy Cross
Semenyo has a big decision to make. But one thing we do know is that he has to leave Bournemouth. Semenyo deserves to be showcasing his skills on the biggest stages. Which rules out a move to Manchester United - a club which has ruined talents like him in recent years.
Moving to Liverpool to be Mo Salah's heir apparent would be a thankless task, given what the Egyptian king has achieved. While Liverpool are going through a period of huge uncertainty when it comes to Arne Slot.
Which leaves Manchester City as Semenyo's best destination. He would have to work hard to earn regular starts under Guardiola and there would be no guarantees.
But he would be learning from the best manager in the business when it comes to developing his skills. Not to mention winning trophies.
Sam Meade
Semenyo's decision to stay at Bournemouth in the summer looks a masterstroke, especially when you consider some of the struggles of his former team-mates. Milos Kerkez at Liverpool a case in point.
Antoine Semenyo is seen as a possible replacement for Mo Salah
Antoine Semenyo is seen as a possible replacement for Mo Salah
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His release clause makes him very attainable, but if he could strike a deal to remain with the Cherries and move for the same fee in the summer I would stay where I was. Mid-season moves are always a risk. You have no pre-season to get up to speed with their patterns for one.
And waiting a few months allows Semenyo to see how the land lies at the various clubs. If Salah really is destined to move on, then maybe a move to Liverpool becomes more attractive. Manchester City are an obvious option, but he'd have to accept not playing every minute. So if I were him, I'd stick rather than twist right now.
John Cross
Semenyo should go to Manchester City and be an absolute superstar. There is nothing like being wanted, pursued and championed - especially when Guardiola is the manager who wants you.
What an opportunity for one of the Premier League’s best wingers. He can operate with both feet, on both wings, is a big personality, leader and scorer of big goals.
This guy has got the lot. He has been phenomenal for Bournemouth and I was amazed that clubs did not push harder for him last summer. But the reason he should choose City over Liverpool, Manchester United and the rest is that feeling of being wanted. That sense that he will be given an incredible platform to shine by the best manager in the Premier League with a team on the rise again.
Yes, there will be competition for places. But City have moved for him despite having the depth of players like Jeremy Doku and Savinho. But he is a step up in my view on Savinho. It is interesting that Semenyo renegotiated his contract and Bournemouth knew inserting a clause would make them vulnerable.
The uncertainty has undoubtedly impacted on Bournemouth - but that underlines the player’s quality.
Scott Trotter
Bournemouth and Semenyo have been preparing for a January exit since the Cherries star signed his new contract, so the time is now for a move. But transfers during the season are not always well-suited to smart decisions.
Semenyo has no shortage of suitors and plenty of uncertainty. Where Liverpool and Manchester United will finish the season is anyone’s guess, and for Semenyo to leave the south coast, trophies and European football will be preferred on the agenda.
Pep Guardiola is considering adding more attacking quality
Pep Guardiola is considering adding more attacking quality
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So, I can understand why Manchester City appears to be the player’s favoured choice. Playing time won’t be immediately guaranteed but a Premier League winners' medal could be won.
Semenyo's versatility will offer multiple chances to come into Guardiola's thinking. And a move presents an 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 it's hardly like Ruben Amorim and Arne Slot have always looked secure options in recent months.
Neil McLeman
Do Manchester City really need Antoine Semenyo? Or are they buying the Ghana forward to stop their title rivals recruiting the best Premier League player in a club not playing in Europe this season?
Guardiola has spent big in the last two windows and summer signing Rayan Cherkhi is now playing superbly as City have won eight in a row. The system and the players are working well.
Andoni Iraola and Bournemouth will still harbour hopes of retaining Antoine Semenyo
Andoni Iraola and Bournemouth will still harbour hopes of retaining Antoine Semenyo
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Liverpool might need a replacement for Mo Salah this January - though they would be better buying Marc Guehi six months before the end of his contract. Arsenal bought Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke in the summer to play out wide and cannot keep spending.
City is a great move for Semenyo but there are historic warnings from clubs who bought big late in the season. Malcolm Allison paid a club record £200,000 for Rodney Marsh when City were four points clear at the top in March 1972 before finishing fourth.
Aston Villa made a mistake buying Tony Cascarino in March 1990. And in February 1996, Newcastle bought Faustino Asprilla for £6.7m when Kevin Keegan’s side were nine points clear at the top of the table before finishing four points behind Manchester United.
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