Report: Man City set to battle Liverpool in the race to sign £65m forward | OneFootball

Man City Monitoring Semenyo as Release Clause Nears Activation

Contract Details Shape January Interest

Manchester City’s growing admiration for Antoine Semenyo has added a fascinating twist to what could become one of January’s most closely watched transfer stories. TalkSport’s report outlined how the forward’s five-year deal, signed last summer, contains a release clause of around £60million. Crucially, it becomes active only during the first half of the winter window, a detail that places significant pressure on clubs hoping to act quickly.

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Liverpool’s interest is longstanding, and sources close to the player suggest he is open to the idea of joining the Premier League champions. His six goals this season have underlined his development, but the market always responds differently when elite clubs circle.

Guardiola’s Admiration Creates Transfer Ripple

Pep Guardiola’s view of Semenyo contributes significantly to this shifting picture. The City manager recently described him as “an extraordinary player” before a meeting with Bournemouth, and such praise is rarely accidental. It reflects an awareness of what the player can offer, and perhaps more importantly, what City currently lack.

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Guardiola’s concern about the absence of a consistent goal-scoring midfielder, combined with the heavy load on Erling Haaland, provides context for potential movement. Haaland leads the club’s scoring charts with 19 goals in all competitions. Behind him, the next contributors are Phil Foden with four, followed by Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki on three each. For a squad built on depth and rotation, these numbers explain why Guardiola may be weighing new options.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool and City Enter Strategic Territory

What emerges is a scenario where Liverpool and Manchester City find themselves studying the same opportunity for different reasons. The release clause has created a defined window, and with two of England’s most ambitious clubs in the frame, the next few weeks could develop into a compelling test of strategy and persuasion.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The idea of pursuing someone like Semenyo fits with everything City supporters have been discussing for months. The squad is strong, but there is a clear imbalance when it comes to goals beyond Haaland. When a team with City’s demands leans that heavily on one forward, even a player as extraordinary as Haaland, it creates a vulnerability. City fans have noticed it, and it appears Guardiola has too.

Semenyo would not arrive as a guaranteed starter, but that has never been a barrier at City. Players grow into roles, and Pep has a long track record of elevating those he really believes in. Hearing him describe Semenyo as “an extraordinary player” only strengthens fan confidence that this is more than passing admiration. Supporters also see the physicality, the directness and the work-rate he offers. These are attributes that traditionally thrive in Guardiola’s system.

There is also an undeniable sense of satisfaction in potentially disrupting Liverpool’s plans. Rivalry breeds opportunity. If City genuinely rate Semenyo and move decisively, it would send a message that the former champions are not prepared to let major talent slip to a direct competitor. Fans want that kind of intent, especially in a season where every marginal gain matters.

Whether the club executes quickly enough during the short release-clause window is another question. But City fans will be watching closely, hopeful that this is the moment their club secures a player who can strengthen both the present and the long-term evolution of the attack.