Manchester City’s search for extra firepower in the January transfer window has taken a clear direction, with the Sky Blues now strongly linked with a move for a Premier League star.
Bournemouth forward, Antonie Semenyo, who has grown into one of the league’s most dynamic wide players, is attracting substantial interest across the division — and reports in England suggest Pep Guardiola is keen to make him part of his squad.
According to TalkSPORT, Guardiola has emerged as a “big admirer” of Semenyo and is open to strengthening his attacking options midway through the season.
City, who have long prided themselves on squad depth and fluidity in the final third, are thought to be exploring the market for a versatile forward who can bring unpredictability, pace and, crucially, goals.
Supporters online appear overwhelmingly in favour of the move. Many City fans on X have made their position clear, urging the club to act quickly if the opportunity arises.
One fan, @Gabegwe2, bluntly captured the mood with: “Then break the bank in January”.
Another user, @xEKdps, added: “He’d be a great signing if we can make it happen but we should also be weary of Vini too.”
The sense that City need fresh attacking avenues was echoed by @korlarworlee, who posted: “We need more goals from different angles from the team.”
And for some, the answer is simply to proceed without hesitation, with @progamer78652 urging: “Bring him”.
Their enthusiasm stems from Semenyo’s steady rise and his ability to influence matches through direct running, aggressive pressing and a growing instinct for goals.
Since joining Bournemouth, he has steadily evolved into one of the most effective transitional attackers in the Premier League — a profile that naturally draws attention from top-tier clubs.
A release clause that has sparked a transfer race
What has intensified the situation further is a key revelation regarding Semenyo’s contract.
It was recently reported that the winger has a release clause that becomes active only during the opening half of January.
Any club hoping to secure his services would need to pay £60m up front, with a further £5m attached to performance-related bonuses.
This clause has triggered a scramble among clubs monitoring forward options ahead of the winter window.
Liverpool are widely believed to be weighing up a move, not least because their sporting director, Richard Hughes, was responsible for bringing Semenyo to Bournemouth three years ago.
His familiarity with the player’s strengths, mentality and development trajectory places the Merseyside club firmly in the mix.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also expressed strong interest in Semenyo last summer before he opted to sign a contract extension.
At the time, both clubs were reshaping their squads and saw the Ghanaian as an energetic addition capable of offering versatility across the frontline.
However, having made subsequent signings in attacking positions, it remains unclear whether either side will revive their pursuit in January.
City’s interest, though, brings a different dynamic. Guardiola is rarely associated with mid-season signings, but circumstances could be shifting.
With injuries, fixture congestion and tactical evolution shaping City’s campaign, the manager appears open to adding a forward who can seamlessly fit into his system.
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Semenyo’s blend of direct attacking play and disciplined pressing could make him a natural fit for City’s fluid approach.
While City remain highly competitive on all fronts, there has been a feeling among supporters that the team could benefit from additional attacking contributors.
Guardiola’s side continues to dominate possession and create chances, but the load carried by a small group of goal scorers has led to calls for more diversity in the final third.
This is where Semenyo stands out: he is unafraid to carry the ball into tight areas, comfortable drifting between central and wide positions, and capable of unsettling opponents with his change of direction and acceleration.
His performances for Bournemouth have repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to take responsibility in attacking phases — qualities that Guardiola values in all his forwards.