Antoine Semenyo sparked interest from Manchester United in the summer, and he has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season.
Manchester United made five signings in the summer, with a strong emphasis on the attacking department to ensure that Ruben Amorim’s side would score more goals than they managed last term.
Bryan Mbeumo has hit the ground running with six goals to his name, and Matheus Cunha’s influence on the team is already clear to see.
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There is also Benjamin Sesko, who is trying to adjust his game to suit the Premier League after coming from the Bundesliga. The Slovenian’s knee injury could see Amorim call upon Joshua Zirkzee, or he could make some tactical adjustments with Cunha played further forward.
However, United looked at other attacking players in the summer before settling on the three they signed.
They include Antoine Semenyo, Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres.
Antoine Semenyo playing against Nottingham Forest
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Man Utd face stiff competition for Antoine Semenyo in January
United were not the only Premier League club looking at Semenyo in the summer, but they looked elsewhere after he extended his contract with Bournemouth until 2030.
That contract includes a release clause that will be active in January, potentially prompting clubs to the negotiation table after watching his incredible start to the season, scoring six goals for the Cherries.
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Semenyo is available mid-season if clubs pay £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons.
Former Premier League midfielder Yaya Toure believes Semenyo has been among the best in the Premier League so far this season, with United still linked with the talented 25-year-old.
Respected journalist David Ornstein has provided an update on Semenyo where he names three clubs making moves for the winger, not including United.
Speaking to The Athletic FC podcast, Ornstein said: “Let’s see, it wouldn’t surprise you if others came into the mix, but certainly the industry is telling us so far that if there’s to be a move, it’s sounding more like a Liverpool, Man City, Tottenham direction of travel subject to change.”
Liverpool, Man City and Tottenham appear to be ahead in the race to sign Semenyo – but United haven’t rekindled their interest since the summer.
It is worth noting that United’s priority in 2026 should be strengthening the midfield.
As good as Semenyo is, it would be a luxury signing at a time Amorim has other priorities, but an argument could be made that the Ghana international is too good to miss out on.
Should Man Utd pay Antoine Semenyo’s £65m release clause in January?
Antoine Semenyo misses out on AFCON
Unlike United trio Amad, Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui, Semenyo won’t be going to the African Cup of Nations this year.
Four-time winners Ghana failed to qualify after finishing bottom of Group F, missing out on a place in the tournament for the first time since 2004.
That means Semenyo could complete a transfer in January and go directly into his new team, should he leave Bournemouth.