(Photo by Shaun Brooks/CameraSport/Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport/via Getty Images)
Manchester City are reportedly considering a landmark move to trigger Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo’s release clause, a development that would cause significant concern at Anfield.
According to a new report from The timesthe Premier League champions are seriously considering activating the £65million clause in Semenyo’s contract when the January transfer window opens.
The 25-year-old winger has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season, attracting admiring glances from the division’s elite.
While Liverpool have long been seen as the likely destination for the Ghana international, City’s entry into the race threatens to completely derail their transfer plans.
The potential diversion comes at a critical time in the title race, with City looking to strengthen their attacking options to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal.
For Liverpool, who have reportedly named Antoine Semenyo as their main target, the news comes as a stark warning that hesitation in the winter market could see them miss out on one of their most coveted long-term successors to their forward line.
Man City considering release clause for Antoine Semenyo
According to the report, Manchester City have identified Semenyo as the ideal candidate to add further impetus to their title quest.
Pep Guardiola’s side, currently chasing Arsenal in the table, are said to be exploring the possibility of meeting the £65m release clause which will become active in the new year.
City’s interest stems from the need to ease Erling Haaland’s goalscoring burden and add more directness to their wide play. Semenyo’s versatility – he is comfortable on the flank or in the middle – makes him a perfect fit for Guardiola’s free-flowing attacking system.
The report suggests that while City are yet to fully commit to the transfer, there is a growing belief within the Etihad that Semenyo’s arrival could provide the impetus needed to overhaul Arsenal in the second half of the campaign.
The existence of the release clause eliminates the need for prolonged negotiations with Bournemouth.
If City choose to pay the fee, the decision will rest solely with the player, leaving the Cherries powerless to prevent the departure of their talismanic striker.
Antoine Semenyo is also a top target for Liverpool
Until this intervention by Manchester City, Liverpool were widely considered the favorites to secure Semenyo’s signature.
The connection between the player and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes was a key factor in these links. Reports suggest Bournemouth have already contacted Liverpool via Hughes.
It was Hughes who initially brought Semenyo to Bournemouth during his tenure on the south coast, and he remains a keen admirer of the winger’s talents.
With Mohamed Salah set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving a temporary void in Liverpool’s attack, the Anfield hierarchy have identified Semenyo as the ideal candidate to provide short-term relief as well as a long-term strengthening of the squad.
The prospect of Semenyo lining up in sky blue rather than red is a real worry for Arne Slot’s team.
If City trigger the clause, Liverpool’s status as favorites won’t matter unless they are prepared to respond immediately, turning the January window into a high-stakes battle for one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents.
