Manchester City have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo in a deal that could become one of the biggest of the January transfer window. The Ghanaian international is pushing for a swift move when the market opens, with a significant release clause adding urgency to the situation.
The £65 Million Clause and January Deadline
Central to the transfer saga is a £65 million release clause in Semenyo's contract at the Vitality Stadium. Crucially, this clause is reported to have an expiration date of January 10, creating a narrow window for any interested club to trigger it. BBC Sport reporter Sami Mokbel highlighted the financial scale of the potential deal, stating it has the "potential to be the biggest, certainly financially, of the January transfer window."
While Premier League rivals Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea have all been linked with the player in recent months, all indications now point to Pep Guardiola's side being in pole position. Mokbel added that the current understanding is that Semenyo "will go there."
Semenyo's Desire for a Rapid Etihad Switch
The player's own wishes are accelerating the timeline. It is understood that Semenyo is eager to complete the transfer "rapidly" and ideally wants to join Manchester City as soon as possible on January 1. This desire for an immediate move contrasts with Bournemouth's preferences, as the Cherries face a challenging run of fixtures against Brentford, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Arsenal in early January.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola addressed the speculation after his side's 4-1 defeat to Brentford, making his stance clear. "Obviously I don't want to lose him. This is quite clear," Iraola said. He emphasised that Semenyo remains a "massive player" for the club, but acknowledged that some situations are "not under my control."
What Happens Next?
The coming days will be decisive. With the clause deadline set for January 10, Manchester City or any other suitor must act quickly to meet the valuation. Bournemouth will hope to retain their attacking threat for as many of their crucial January matches as possible, but the player's apparent determination for a new challenge could force their hand.
If the move proceeds as anticipated, it would represent a major coup for Manchester City and a significant step in Antoine Semenyo's career, placing him among the contenders for the biggest domestic honours. The deal would also underscore the intense financial competition at the top of the Premier League, even during the mid-season window.
