Manchester United are known to be in direct contact in an attempt to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in January.
Last summer saw Manchester United turn to mid-table Premier League forwards to try and solve their lack of experience up front.
After stellar seasons with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford, respectively, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo joined Rúben Amorim’s squad in the summer and have made an immediate impact.
So far this season, the mid-table brilliance torch has been handed to Antoine Semenyo, who has been lighting up the Premier League with Bournemouth.
United attempted to sign the player last summer, agreeing on personal terms, although their £50 million bid was rejected and the player signed a new contract. However, this latest deal includes a £60 million release clause plus £5 million in add-ons, which is expected to be triggered in January.
Semenyo transfer latest as race heating up
In the last few days, multiple reliable transfer sources have started releasing information regarding the player’s personal preferences and United’s chances in the race.
A report from The Guardian claimed that the player is currently favouring a move to Liverpool, but that Manchester City are also in his thoughts. However, the respective uncertainty surrounding the futures of Mo Salah and Pep Guardiola complicates matters.
According to The Sun, United’s interest in Semenyo stems from their growing lack of confidence in Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu as a left-wing back. It’s claimed that United see Semenyo as their prime target to strengthen their left flank.
Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Semenyo is expected to leave Bournemouth in January. He stated that Liverpool have not made any official contact, and while Tottenham are interested, they haven’t advanced their talks in recent days.
Why Amorim has an advantage, and what must be done
According to iSport, United are currently seen as frontrunners for Semenyo in the January window, as they are in the best position to both strike a deal with Bournemouth and offer the player the most certainty about his role at the club.
While City are unable to confirm whether Guardiola is remaining at The Etihad, they cannot show Semenyo their long-term plans. At the same time, the uncertainty surrounding Salah and Arne Slot’s future would no doubt give the Ghanaian international second thoughts.
At the same time, Amorim reportedly met with Semenyo over dinner in the summer and has been very clear about the player’s role at Old Trafford.
But, as described in the report, while his release clause is set at £60 million plus £5 million, there will need to be negotiations over the payment terms.
It may come down to which club in the chase is prepared to strike the best deal, which United must aim to do as soon as possible in January if they want to put themselves in the best possible position to complete the transfer.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.