Antoine Semenyo has been talked up to make a big-money move following interest from Man Utd and Liverpool
Antoine Semenyo
The Ghana head coach believes Antoine Semenyo is ready to make a move from Bournemouth.
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Ghana head coach Otto Addo believes Antoine Semenyo is ready to "take the next step" amid transfer links with Manchester United and Liverpool. The Bournemouth star faces an uncertain future on the South Coast with Premier League giants circling over a possible move.
The Athletic previously reported that the Cherries were becoming increasingly resigned to losing the 25-year-old, who captained Andoni Iraola's against Everton last time out, in January with a £65million release clause set to become active. Both the Premier League champions and the Red Devils have been linked with his services, while Tottenham Hotspur expressed an interest in the summer before he signed a new deal.
The attacker has been in fine form this season, sparking speculation over a move, with six goals and three assists in 13 Premier League outings.
Addo believes it is a matter of time before Semenyo makes his big-money as he talked up the Ghana international's credentials.
“He has done very well at Bournemouth, but with all the respect for Bournemouth and what they’re doing, surely it is natural for him to take the next step," he told The Athletic.
“Whether its in the winter or summer, it is a difference question but it won’t make a difference for us. I’m looking forward to him showing more of what he can to the world.”
Sky Sports have also reported that Manchester City are interested in Semenyo. Spurs moved to try and bring the forward to north London in the summer but failed in their efforts as he signed a new deal at the Vitality Stadium.
Despite Bournemouth being decimated in the transfer window, losing the likes of Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid and Milos Kerkez to Liverpool, they managed to retain manager Andoni Iraola and winger Semenyo, with the pair continuing to impress.
"I've grown so much at the club, both on and off the pitch, and I'm really happy to have signed ahead of returning for pre-season," said Semenyo after signing a five-year deal
Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo is of interest from Liverpool, Man Utd, Man City and Spurs
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"From the fans to the staff and my teammates, I can't speak highly enough of the people around the club.
"It's a great place to be and I'm excited to get back to Bournemouth and continue the hard work with the new season just around the corner."
After last season's 11-goal return, Semenyo netted twice in their season opener against Liverpool before Arne Slot's side scored late on to spare their blushes after squandering a two-goal lead.
He has been linked with a move to Anfield in January as Mohamed Salah faces an uncertain future on Merseyside, despite having signed a new two-year deal earlier this year.
The Egyptian is set to head to the Africa Cup of Nations this month and has had a below-par start to the season, where he has faced criticism for failing to replicate the form that fired Liverpool to the Premier League title last campaign.
Meanwhile, United were linked with Semenyo's services during their pursuit of attacking reinforcements.
Ruben Amorim's side moved to sign Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko as part of their plan to improve their attacking output.
Semenyo's £65 million release clause is said to have a deadline but is in place in order to allow Bournemouth sufficient time to source a replacement.