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Antoine Semenyo. | Getty Images
Manchester City are currently in talks with Antoine Semenyo for a deal to move to the Etihad.
The winger is due a medical at Man City, and everyone believed he was playing his last game for Bournemouth on Wednesday night against Spurs, when he managed to secure the win for the Cherries by netting a 95th-minute winner to claim a 3-2 victory. The scenes at the Vitality Stadium were certainly fitting for a final match.
However, the 25-year-old’s move has reportedly been plunged into doubt, with claims that his move to Man City may not be the foregone conclusion that everyone had assumed. With his release clause expiring on the 10th, time is running out...
Redknapp says he’s heard rumours of a Semenyo “twist”
It is no surprise that Semenyo is a man in demand at the moment, as the Bournemouth winger has arguably been one of the best players in the Premier League over the past year. He’s scored 10 goals and provided three assists so far this season in 20 league games.
Man City are hoping to wrap the £65m deal up, amid interest from Liverpool, but Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp says he’s heard that there could be a late twist in the tale of Semenyo to City.
He said on Sky Sports: “I’m not saying this is a Sky Sports breaking news moment, but all I’m saying is tonight I’ve heard that it might not be a forgone conclusion that everyone’s talking about that Semenyo will have a medical at City. There might be a little twist. I hope so.”
If that is the case, Redknapp could be hinting at a potential late Liverpool swoop, seeing as he is a Reds fan. But it was understood that the Etihad was Semenyo’s preferred destination. Either way, a solution will come to the fore within the next day or so, as Semenyo’s release clause is close to expiry.
Who could Man City sign instead of Semenyo?
If the Cityzens were to miss out on the Bournemouth star, they would have to consider alternative targets, but there aren’t many world-class wingers around who could be as easily available as Semenyo during the January window.
According to a series of reports by German outlet Bild, Man City are also keen on FC Koln winger Said El Mala, who, like Semenyo, is built to be a difference maker in attack. He’s quick on the ball and able to create chances at a rate of knots; however, he does lack experience.
El Mala is just 19, and he has only played 15 Bundesliga games for Koln. Despite this lack of experience, he has already scored six goals and provided three assists, which is impressive considering he’s so young. City could opt to go after the German as a cheaper alternative to Semenyo, should Redknapp’s “twist” emerge.
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