Bournemouth outline transfer stance on Antoine Semenyo amid Manchester City interest | OneFootball

The stance taken by Bournemouth over the future of star forward Antoine Semenyo has now been outlined as interest from across Europe continues to develop.

Manchester City remain one of several elite clubs tracking the Ghanaian’s situation closely, having previously identified the winger as a potential long-term addition to Pep Guardiola’s frontline.

City’s admiration ties into wider internal deliberations over the type of winger they want to recruit for 2026 – a discussion that has involved comparing Semenyo’s powerful, direct style to more intricate, technical options already within the squad.

Interest from elsewhere has only intensified with Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester United having all been monitoring Semenyo in recent months, while other reports have suggested that Pep Guardiola personally rates the attacker highly.

Semenyo’s release clauses in 2026 has become central to the story, particularly after a summer in which he signed a new long-term contract but did not push for a move despite interest from multiple clubs.

Recent comments from Ghana manager Otto Addo, who encouraged the forward to “take the next step” in his career, have added further momentum to speculation ahead of the January window.

Now, according to the information of BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella, Bournemouth want Antoine Semenyo to stay until the end of the ongoing season despite interest from big six Premier League clubs ahead of the January market.

The report once again reiterates the contractual release clauses in the player’s deal, the first of which allowing Semenyo to leave for £65 million before 10 January, reducing by £5 million in the summer of 2026.

However, it is now highlighted that Bournemouth would prefer to either keep Semenyo for the rest of the campaign by selling at the lower price later, or agreeing a pre-contract in January for their star man to move after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

It is revealed that Bournemouth are exploring replacements but do not have anyone immediately lined up, and those at the Cherries expect a quiet January transfer window unless Antoine Semenyo’s release clause is triggered.

For Manchester City, Bournemouth’s stance introduces a new layer of complexity with City known for avoiding mid-season bidding wars, particularly when release clauses create a compressed timeline.

Should they wish to secure Semenyo in January, the £65 million clause provides clarity – but also urgency. Alternatively, a 2026 pre-contract could suit Manchester City’s longer-term squad planning, fitting with wider conversations around refreshing the winger positions after the next tournament cycle.

Much may depend on whether rival clubs act first. Liverpool, for instance, are weighing their January activity against international commitments that could see Mohamed Salah depart temporarily for the Africa Cup of Nations, and particularly now following the Egyptian’s public showing of disappointment towards his situation at Anfield at present.

Tottenham and Manchester United remain active observers too, adding pressure to the early-January decision window. If no club triggers the clause, Semenyo’s future may shift toward the summer of 2026.