City or Liverpool: Who Will Win Antoine Semenyo?

Only a few days remain until the winter transfer window opens. Several clubs looking to strengthen or patch up their squads can make purchases from January 1, 2026, to February 2, 2026.

One of the players targeted by top European clubs is Bournemouth striker, Antoine Semenyo. The 25-year-old has been outstanding in the English Premier League this season, with eight goals and three assists from 16 matches.

At least three English Premier League clubs are interested in acquiring the player valued at 65 million pounds. They are Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur.

According to a BBC report, among the three clubs, City has been the most serious in its approach to Bournemouth. City is said to have made positive progress in recent days and is confident that they are in a good position to acquire the Ghana national team player.

Semenyo is reported to be on the verge of deciding whether to accept an offer from City or another club. Manchester United's desire to acquire Semenyo has diminished as they believe the player is likely to join a city rival, as is the case with Chelsea.

Liverpool has become Manchester City's strongest competitor for acquiring Semenyo as they require a new striker due to the injury of forward Alexander Isak. Tottenham Hotspur is considered merely a dark horse for the winger position, should the other two clubs withdraw from the competition.

Semenyo has a release clause of £65 million in his contract, but it is only active during the first 10 days of January. Player negotiations in the winter transfer market are usually more challenging because clubs do not want to lose their key players in the middle of the season.

The loss of a player of Semenyo's caliber, unless a suitable replacement can be found, will weaken Bournemouth, which currently occupies the 15th position in the temporary standings of the English Premier League.

If they are willing to be patient, clubs can actually secure lower prices in the summer transfer market. Bournemouth, which is not part of the top clubs in England, realizes that they are vulnerable to losing their key players and are willing to negotiate with any club that allows those players to remain with them until the end of the season.

From a financial perspective, all the clubs interested are willing to offer a salary package very similar to that of Semenyo, so the final decision depends on the player. The London-born player will turn 26 on January 7 and is beginning to enter the peak of his career.

Recognizing the importance of Semenyo, Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola hopes the player will stay until the end of the season. "I know there are many rumors surrounding him. That is not my concern; my worry is that it does not affect his performance. So far, it has not had an impact; he is very committed to the team, and I hope we can keep him here," said Andoni Iraola as quoted by the BBC.

However, Iraola also realizes that Bournemouth finds it difficult to retain players if a top English or European club desires them. "If you ask me, I do not want to lose him, of course not. But every time the transfer window opens, you never know what will happen," said the Spanish coach.

City is very interested in Semenyo because they need additional ammunition to chase Arsenal in the competition for the English Premier League title. Pep Guardiola's squad currently occupies second place in the temporary standings, trailing two points behind Arsenal.

In order to make room for Semenyo in the squad, City is reportedly willing to release Savinho or Oscar Bobb if there are clubs interested. Hotspur showed interest in Savinho during the last summer transfer window, but did not reach an agreement with City.

For Liverpool, in addition to Isak's injury, the uncertain future of Mohamed Salah compels them to seek a new striker. Semenyo, with his speed and dribbling ability, is considered a worthy replacement for Salah.

However, Liverpool's issues are not limited to the attackers. The defense line, which was Liverpool's strength last season, has now become a weak point. They are almost certain to fail in defending their Premier League title and are currently languishing in fifth place, trailing 10 points behind Arsenal.

In addition to a forward, Arne Slot's squad requires a new center-back due to the uncertain future and performance of defender Ibrahima Konate. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has become a target for Liverpool to fill the gap in the defense during the January transfer window, after failing to secure him in the previous summer transfer window. (AFP/BBC)