Liverpool are reportedly exploring a potential January move for Bournemouth’s in-form winger Antoine Semenyo, according to i Paper. The Ghana international has also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, setting up what could be a competitive race for his signature when the transfer window reopens.
Semenyo’s Impressive Rise on the South Coast
Semenyo has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most effective attacking threats since stepping out of Dominic Solanke’s shadow following the striker’s departure to Tottenham last year. His performances for Bournemouth have been nothing short of exceptional, with the 25-year-old contributing significantly to the Cherries’ attacking output.
Last season, Semenyo registered 11 goals and five assists in Premier League competition. He has continued that impressive form into the 2024/25 campaign, already netting six league goals and providing three assists in the opening eight matches. His quality was on full display on the opening day of the season when he scored twice against Liverpool at Anfield, despite Bournemouth ultimately falling to a 4-2 defeat to the defending champions.
Liverpool’s Attacking Reinforcements
Liverpool made substantial investments in their attacking options during the off-season, securing the signings of Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike. The Reds also successfully negotiated a contract extension with Mohamed Salah, ensuring the Egyptian star remained at Anfield.
However, Salah has experienced an unusually slow start to the current campaign, managing just two goals in the opening eight fixtures. With the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Morocco from mid-December to mid-January, Liverpool are reportedly considering their options ahead of the January transfer window.
Semenyo presents an attractive proposition for Liverpool during this period, as Ghana failed to qualify for AFCON, meaning he would be available throughout the crucial festive period and beyond.
Release Clause Speculation Could Force Bournemouth’s Hand
Bournemouth valued Semenyo at £75 million earlier this year and remain determined to retain one of their most valuable assets. However, reports suggest that the new contract Semenyo signed during the summer may contain a release clause, which could limit the Cherries’ ability to keep the winger should a club meet the specified terms.
When questioned about the rumored release clause last week, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola maintained his focus on the player’s performances rather than contractual details.
“I don’t know anything about the contracts of the players. I don’t know how much they earn and don’t know want to know either,” Iraola explained. “The most important thing for me is that he continues playing well. If he does there will be more noise but it’s something we take if he’s playing well. My concern is to keep him in the spot where he’s playing well.”
Competition Heating Up for Semenyo’s Signature
Liverpool would face significant competition for Semenyo’s services, with both Tottenham and Manchester United monitoring the situation closely.
Tottenham recently announced an initial £100 million capital injection to strengthen their squad, with the Lewis Family—who replaced Daniel Levy as executives last month—committed to backing the club financially. Spurs are particularly interested in adding a left winger after missing out on Manchester City’s Savinho, who has since signed a new deal at the Etihad Stadium.
Meanwhile, Manchester United continue to seek additional attacking reinforcements despite recent significant investments in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko.
Bournemouth’s Strong Start Complicates Matters
Bournemouth will be eager to retain Semenyo’s services at least until the end of the season, particularly given their impressive start to the campaign. The Cherries have collected 15 points from their opening eight matches and remain unbeaten since their opening-day defeat at Anfield against Liverpool.
As the January transfer window approaches, the situation surrounding Antoine Semenyo promises to be one of the more intriguing storylines, with Liverpool and their Premier League rivals positioning themselves for what could be a significant mid-season acquisition.