Manchester United’s January is widely thought to be really quiet in terms of incoming players, but one player is tempting them more and more to buck that stance.
After spending nearly £250m on new players last summer, it is clear that Man Utd would like to wait for the next summer window before going big again.
The January window is difficult to do long-term business in, and United’s uncertainty over their European football status will also play a part.
Nevertheless, it is looking like one player is making that choice not so straightforward for Ruben Amorim because he’s tempted by the prospect of paying the “January premium” for his services.
Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth celebrates after he scores a goal to make it 1-0 during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Fulham FC at Vitality Stadium on April 14, 2025
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Man Utd’s stance on Antoine Semenyo transfer
January is difficult to do business in because teams are generally reluctant to part ways with important players in the middle of the season.
That isn’t the case with Antoine Semenyo, not because Bournemouth are open to selling him, but because they have no choice.
Semenyo has a release clause in his contract that is active in January and then again in the summer, but elite teams never wait for an opportunity to come twice.
WHAT would be your dream January transfer window for Manchester United?💰🔥
Manager Ruben Amorim arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park in 2025 in London, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
More United News
United have been linked to Semenyo since last summer, and despite the club not being favourites for his signature, things can change in an instant if United go for him.
TeamTalk now reports that this could be happening, as United and Amorim continue to be tempted by the prospect of Semenyo at Old Trafford and flourishing due to his versatility.
They see him as a player who can cover both wing-back positions, especially in the wake of Amorim asking for more attack-minded wing-backs who almost function as wingers.
It remains to be seen whether they act on this temptation or not, because United looked to have pulled themselves out of the race for his signature at one point.
Man Utd have bigger priorities
While Semenyo is undoubtedly a talented player, United have been in this trap before, where they signed a player just because he was available or their rivals were interested in him.
Players like Fred or Alexis Sanchez were signed amid Man City’s interest, and making panic moves in the market never ends well.
WHAT would be your dream January transfer window for Manchester United?💰🔥
Manager Ruben Amorim arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park in 2025 in London, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
The same is the case here, because if United really have £65m to spend in January, there are many better uses of that money than on Semenyo.
United can transform as an XI with a quality defensive midfielder, and saving that money for a double splash in the summer is more beneficial.
Semenyo wouldn’t even start many games as a wing-back right away because Amorim’s United don’t dominate games to an extent where he can deploy two attacking wingers as wing-backs.
Ultimately, he will add to the stiff competition for places in the No. 10 spot, where he’s even less suited due to his game in close spaces.
The temptation might be increasing to sign him, but they must not act on it in January. If he’s still available next summer, it will be worth revisiting.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox