Manchester United have reportedly contacted Bournemouth regarding a possible move for the 25-year-old winger in January.
Manchester United are closely monitoring Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo following his rapid rise in the Premier League over the past 18 months.
After an impressive season on the South Coast, Rúben Amorim’s side submitted a £50 million bid for the Ghana international, which was matched by Tottenham Hotspur. Bournemouth rejected both offers, after which Semenyo signed a new contract with the club.
It was later reported that Amorim and Semenyo held face-to-face talks over dinner, with United agreeing personal terms but unable to reach an agreement with Bournemouth.
Semenyo’s new deal came with an improved salary and a release clause believed to be set at £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons during the January window, before reducing in the summer.
United initiate contact with Bournemouth
Semenyo’s future is becoming one of the most talked-about situations in the market and is “really heating up,” with several top Premier League clubs monitoring his availability, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano noted that Tottenham are currently pushing the hardest, showing genuine and aggressive interest, although any potential move ultimately depends on the player’s decision.
United and Manchester City have both made contact with Bournemouth within the last 48 hours to understand Semenyo’s situation and the conditions of his £65 million release clause.
Amid the club’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, United’s interest is real, but Romano stated that their recent spending on Cunha and Mbeumo could influence how far they are willing to go financially. City are also in regular contact as they assess their options.
Liverpool remain in the background, having first enquired in November, but their next steps are linked to what happens with Mohamed Salah and their broader January priorities.
While multiple clubs are in the race, the decisive factor is expected to be Semenyo himself, with the player weighing up his future rather than being driven purely by money or immediate guarantees of playing time.
Where would Semenyo play at United?
While Semenyo is widely regarded as a fantastic player, there has been debate about where he would start in Amorim’s current system.
Read More: Man Utd star “more than tempted” to leave in January says Fabrizio Romano, “What I’m hearing is…”
The Athletic’s Carl Anka, known for his fantastic analytical insight, took pen to paper to discuss this. The player’s “blistering speed” and ability to score make him an attractive player for United, but with United already having Cunha, Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško in their ranks, fitting Semenyo in is hard.
Amorim recently declared that he wants another player similar to Amad on the left flank to balance out United’s fantastic attacking talent across the pitch. If Semenyo cannot find a space in the front three, left wing-back could be the answer.
Although some may see this as a negative move, when Amad’s usual position is actually considered alongside Semenyo’s ability to play evenly off both feet, he could actually be a brilliant addition to the Reds.
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