Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has emerged as the subject of a growing transfer tussle between Manchester City and Liverpool, with both Premier League heavyweights monitoring developments closely ahead of the January window.
Manchester City are understood to be moving fastest, preparing to reopen talks with Bournemouth over the timing and activation of Semenyo’s £65m release clause. City see the 25-year-old as a strong fit for their attacking plans and are keen to complete a deal as early as possible in January.
Liverpool, meanwhile, remain firmly in the background but are considered genuine rivals in the race. While no formal approach has yet been made to Bournemouth or Semenyo’s representatives, sources suggest the Reds are assessing the situation and could yet make a late move if the opportunity arises.
City’s confidence stems from early groundwork. Semenyo and his camp are believed to have held positive discussions with the Etihad club, giving Pep Guardiola’s side an edge as the window approaches. United had also shown interest previously, but the contest is now seen largely as a two-horse race between City and Liverpool.
Bournemouth, however, are reluctant to rush into a sale. With a busy fixture schedule and recent dip in form, the south coast club would prefer to keep Semenyo until after their match against Tottenham on 7 January. They are also conscious of needing time to line up a replacement.
The situation is further shaped by the release clause, which expires on 10 January. That deadline places pressure on both City and Liverpool to decide how aggressively to act, knowing Bournemouth have little control once the clause is triggered.
City would ideally like Semenyo in place before their 4 January clash with Chelsea, believing the Ghana international’s power and directness would allow him to settle quickly. Liverpool, for their part, are aware that missing the early stages of negotiations could prove costly if City move decisively.
As January approaches, Semenyo’s future looks set to be defined by elite competition at the top of English football, with Ghana’s in-form attacker now choosing between two of the Premier League’s biggest names.
