Liverpool have stepped directly into the race for top Premier League star after reports indicated Manchester City had reached an “agreement” on personal terms with the playerr.
The development intensifies what has become one of the Premier League’s most competitive transfer battles heading into the January window.
According to report, Man City have agreed personal terms with Antoine Semenyo. The Bournemouth striker, who has emerged as one of the league’s standout wide men this season, has attracted strong attention across the league thanks to a string of exhilarating displays.
His blend of power, direct running and improved end product has made him one of the most difficult players to contain in the early months of the campaign.
The 24-year-old has already produced six goals and three assists in 14 Premier League outings — an output that places him among the most efficient offensive performers in the country.
Only Erling Haaland, Igor Thiago, Danny Welbeck and Jean-Philippe Mateta have found the net more frequently, and all four are recognised centre-forwards. For a wide player operating in a Bournemouth side still shaping its identity under Andoni Iraola, Semenyo’s influence has been extraordinary.
Bournemouth, understandably, want the winger to stay for the entire season as they attempt to force their way into the European conversation.
Their campaign has been built on sustained pressing and rapid transitions, and Semenyo has been central to both. However, the structure of his contract means their hopes may not be entirely in their hands.
The Ghana international signed a fresh deal in July that includes a release clause of £65m. That figure becomes active at the beginning of the January window before dropping to £50m in the summer.
In the current market, such a fee represents both protection and vulnerability; it guarantees Bournemouth significant revenue but also leaves them exposed to interest from the league’s wealthiest sides.
And interest has arrived in abundance. Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham and Manchester United have all monitored Semenyo closely, with initial enquiries turning into something more concrete in recent weeks.
The competition has escalated dramatically, especially with the player’s exit clause providing clear structure for negotiations.
According to CaughtOffside, Man City have agreed personal terms with Antoine Semenyo after outlining a long-term role within Pep Guardiola’s squad.
But Liverpool are understood to have reacted almost immediately, holding direct talks and matching those terms in an effort to steer the transfer in their direction. Arne Slot’s side are reportedly attempting to “hijack” City’s progress, with resistance from Anfield both strong and swift.
The report adds that Semenyo is “now set to decide” between Liverpool and City as the two clubs move ahead of the pack. Should the claims prove accurate, the next step rests almost entirely with the player, who finds himself at the centre of a high-stakes tug-of-war.
Earlier this week, TEAMtalk revealed that Semenyo is leaning towards a move to Liverpool, viewing Anfield as the most exciting environment for his next career chapter.
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While the winger is not closed off to joining another top-tier Premier League club, the attraction of being a central figure in Slot’s evolving forward line is said to be a significant factor.
Tottenham have also made the 24-year-old their priority attacking target, but sources suggest the player is not particularly enthused about the idea of heading to north London.
Manchester United remain in contention too. Transfer analyst Dean Jones reported for TEAMtalk that United are financially capable of meeting the £65m release clause.
Yet capability and timing are two different things, and United face the risk of falling behind if they do not increase their efforts quickly.
Liverpool and City have already begun to solidify their offers, leaving United at risk of being cut out of the final discussions.