Manchester City have surged ahead of rivals Liverpool in the intense battle to sign Bournemouth's prolific winger, Antoine Semenyo, by initiating formal discussions with the Cherries.
City Make First Move for In-Form Winger
Pep Guardiola's side are attempting to make the Ghana international their first signing of 2026, aiming to activate the forward's £65 million release clause. The clause is believed to have a critical expiry date of 10 January, adding urgency to the negotiations. Semenyo himself is reportedly keen to finalise his future before the turn of the year on 1 January.
The 25-year-old has been in outstanding form this season, emerging as the third-highest scorer in the Premier League with nine goals. His performances have attracted a who's who of English football, with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United all monitoring the situation closely.
Liverpool Face Pivotal Transfer Decision
However, Manchester City now appear to hold the advantage. Liverpool, who spent £450 million in the summer, face a significant choice on whether to re-enter the market. Their interest is compounded by uncertainty surrounding the future of star forward Mohamed Salah, who was recently dropped by manager Arne Slot and gave a controversial interview.
Anfield sporting director Richard Hughes has a prior relationship with Semenyo, having been the executive who brought him to Bournemouth from Bristol City for £10 million in 2023. This connection could prove vital if Liverpool decide to match City's advance and trigger the release clause.
Guardiola's Spending and Squad Needs
For City, securing Semenyo would continue a period of substantial investment under Guardiola, taking the manager's total spending in under a year to a staggering £400 million. This follows a £180 million outlay last January and further acquisitions in the summer.
The move is also driven by immediate squad needs. City are currently short on wingers, with Jeremy Doku injured and Omar Marmoush away at the African Cup of Nations. While Claudio Echeverri is returning from loan, the Argentine is expected to be sent out again.
Chelsea and Manchester United have also expressed liking for the player, though the Club World Cup winners have, for now, decided against pursuing their initial enquiry. With Ghana failing to qualify for AFCON, Semenyo has remained available, putting him at the centre of what could be the first major transfer saga of 2026.
