“Take the next step” – International manager tips Manchester City target for big-money 2026 transfer | OneFootball

Antoine Semenyo has been tipped for a big-money transfer in 2026 amid ongoing interest from Manchester City ahead of the January market.

While the upcoming winter window has largely centred on Semenyo’s £65 million clause and a growing list of Premier League admirers, City’s interest stretches beyond short-term opportunity.

Previous reporting has highlighted Pep Guardiola’s personal admiration for the Bournemouth attacker, as well as City’s broader uncertainty over the profile of winger they want to add for 2026 – a debate that continues between signing a powerful, direct wide forward or a more intricate, technical operator.

The Ghanaian has become a recurring name due to his blend of ball-carrying and physicality. Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester United are also monitoring developments, but City’s long-term planning – influenced by concerns over goal contributions beyond Erling Haaland – has kept Semenyo high on their list of options.

Meanwhile, Antoine Semenyo’s representatives and Bournemouth have maintained the player is not actively seeking a move, despite speculation since the summer. He signed a long-term deal earlier in the year, but a built-in release clause for January and a second one due to activate later in 2026 ensures that interest is unlikely to fade.

Now, speaking to The Athletic from the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw this week, Ghana head coach Otto Addo has tipped Antoine Semenyo to leave the south coast club amid ongoing interest from the likes of Manchester City.

“He has done very well at Bournemouth, but with all the respect for Bournemouth and what they’re doing, surely it is natural for him to take the next step,” Addo explained this week.

He continued, “Whether it’s in the winter or summer, it is a difference question but it won’t make a difference for us. I’m looking forward to him showing more of what he can to the world.”

Addo’s comments align with the general sentiment across Europe that Semenyo is reaching a career point where a move to a UEFA Champions League-level side feels increasingly inevitable.

For Manchester City, that could mean revisiting their long-standing admiration for the forward. If they decide to target a direct, powerful winger, Semenyo would become one of the most realistic and attainable options.

However, should another Premier League club act sooner, particularly Liverpool with Mohamed Salah’s future yet to be resolved fully and falling further into uncertainty this week, Manchester City may need to shift their winger priority to a different stylistic profile.