Antoine Semenyo transfer news: Manchester United to beat Liverpool, City in race for forward's signature?

Semenyo is an ideal Mohamed Salah's replacement as far as the Reds are concerned but the race for his signature is long from over with Ruben Amorim's team willing to fight for the Ghana forward

Semenyo AFC Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo | Reuters

Antoine Semenyo has long been linked to Liverpool as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah at Anfield. However, the latest reports claim that the deal is far from sealed, with the two Manchester giants and Tottenham Hotspur looking to snatch the Ghana international.

The Cherries have already received calls from Old Trafford enquiring about their 25-year-old forward, media reports from Europe claimed. As things stand, there are no clear favourites in the transfer race; reports suggest that all other clubs are playing catch-up to the defending Premier League champions.

Semenyo has a £65m release clause for the early part of January, but that drops to £60m in the summer, so it is still possible that clubs will wait a bit longer before attempting to secure a deal for the 25-year-old.

Semenyo, who has seven goals and three assists to his credit from 16 league games this season, has a £65 million release clause for the early part of January. However, it will come down to £60 million in the summer, which may influence clubs to wait until the end of the season before making any bids. Semenyo signed for Bournemouth from Bristol City in January 2023.

Also in the mix of things is the fact that Ghana have not qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (AFCON), meaning Semenyo will be available when the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo leave. It also needs to be noted that United manager Ruben Amorim last week described Semenyo as a “special player” although he didn't drop any hints about harbouring a dream to get him.

The Premier League weekend begins with Newcastle United hosting Chelsea, while Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool will both look for a morale-boosting victory when they meet in North London later on Saturday.Bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers continue to chase their first win of the season when they host Brentford. Manchester United, who drew 4-4 with Bournemouth in a wild game on Monday, face a huge challenge when they travel to Aston Villa on Sunday. Third-place Villa are three points behind Arsenal, while United are sixth on 26 points.