BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 03: Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth celebrates after he scores a goal to make it 3-1 during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Fulham at Vitality Stadium on October 03, 2025 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Manchester United is making a strong push for forward Antoine Semenyo, who currently plays for Bournemouth. Reports indicate that the £65 million release clause in Semenyo’s contract could facilitate a transfer, significantly enhancing United’s attacking options as they aim to secure a European spot.
The club’s manager, Ruben Amorim, has already strengthened the squad by welcoming three new forwards—Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko—over the summer. Despite these additions, interest in further attacking talent persists, with Semenyo emerging as a prominent target.
Transfer Dynamics and Competition
According to a report from David Ornstein of The Athletic, Bournemouth may face the challenge of retaining their star player mid-season. They successfully fended off interest in Semenyo during the previous transfer window but extended his contract with a release clause in anticipation of future opportunities.
The Ghana international has been in impressive form, showcasing his skills as a vital component in Bournemouth’s attack. While Manchester United has prioritized strengthening their forward line, they are not alone in pursuing Semenyo. Teams such as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have also shown interest, despite their current roster depth.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano commented on the situation during a recent podcast, suggesting it is unlikely that Semenyo would move to Liverpool. Meanwhile, Manchester City remains a potential, albeit less likely, destination.
Reports from the Manchester Evening News indicate that Amorim took the opportunity to meet with Semenyo during the summer. This meeting was aimed at assessing the player’s character and fit within United’s squad. Semenyo is currently ranked as the tenth-best left winger globally by FourFourTwo, underlining his potential impact should he join the Red Devils.
Future Prospects and Strategic Considerations
While the January transfer window approaches, it seems improbable that Semenyo will leave Bournemouth this winter. The presence of the release clause may serve as a catalyst for a bidding war among top clubs, as they look to secure the talented forward ahead of the summer.
Semenyo’s current market value stands at approximately €55 million, according to Transfermarkt. This valuation may further influence negotiations, as clubs weigh their financial strategies for upcoming transfers.
The January window could see Manchester United negotiate a gentleman’s agreement for a summer move, allowing them to offload surplus players before securing Semenyo’s signature. This strategy was previously employed by Arsenal when they signed Martin Zubimendi, anticipating the departure of Jorginho.
As Manchester United prepares to host Everton following the international break, the focus will remain on bolstering their squad for a competitive push in the Premier League. The potential acquisition of Semenyo adds an intriguing layer to United’s transfer plans and signifies their ambition to return to the upper echelons of English football.
