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Manchester City are reportedly considering a decisive move to trigger Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo’s release clause, a development that will cause serious alarm at Anfield.
According to a new report from timesThe Premier League champions are seriously considering triggering the £65m clause in Semenyo’s contract when the January transfer window opens.
The 25-year-old winger has been outstanding in the Premier League this season, earning him admiration from the division’s elite.
Liverpool have been considered the likely destination for the Ghanaian international, but City’s participation could completely derail his transfer plans.
The potential takeover comes at a crucial time in the title race, with City looking to strengthen their attacking options in a bid to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal.
For Liverpool, who reportedly had Antoine Semenyo as their main target, the news is a stark warning that they could miss out on one of their most coveted long-term successors up front if they hold back in the winter market.
Man City considering transfer for Antoine Semenyo with release clause
According to reports, Manchester City have identified Semenyo as the ideal candidate to inject new momentum into their title bid.
Pep Guardiola’s side, who are currently chasing Arsenal in the standings, are said to be exploring the possibility of meeting their £65m release clause, which comes into effect in the new year.
City’s interest stems from the need to ease Erling Haaland’s goal-scoring burden and add more directness to his wide play. Semenho’s versatility allows him to play comfortably on the wing or in the middle, making him a perfect fit in Guardiola’s fluid attacking system.
The report states that although City are yet to fully commit to the move, there is growing belief within the Etihad that Semenyo’s arrival could provide the impetus needed for Arsenal’s overhaul in the second half of the season.
The existence of a release clause eliminates the need for lengthy negotiations with Bournemouth.
If City choose to pay the fee, the decision will rest solely with the player and the Cherries will be unable to prevent their talismanic forward from leaving.
Antoine Semenyo also a top target for Liverpool
Liverpool were widely considered to be the favorites to sign Semenyo until Manchester City intervened.
The player’s connection with Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes is a key element of these connections. According to reports, Bournemouth have already made contact with Liverpool through Hughes.
Hughes was the first to bring Semenyo to Bournemouth during his time on the south coast, and he remains a huge admirer of the winger’s talent.
With Mohamed Salah set to depart for the African Cup of Nations, creating a temporary gap in Liverpool’s attack, Anfield bosses see Semenyo as the perfect candidate to provide short-term relief and long-term reinforcement of the squad.
The prospect of Semenyo lining up in sky blue rather than red is a genuine concern for Arne Slott’s side.
If City trigger this clause, Liverpool’s status as front-runners will mean little unless they are ready to act immediately, making January a high-stakes battle for one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents.
