Report: £65m Premier League Forward Favours Liverpool Over Rivals | OneFootball

Antoine Semenyo Emerges as January Transfer Flashpoint

Manchester United’s pursuit of Antoine Semenyo has sharpened the focus of January planning across the Premier League, with Liverpool and Manchester City firmly in the frame. Reporting by Jamie Jackson of The Guardian outlines a three way tussle for the Bournemouth forward, a situation that speaks to both opportunity and urgency as clubs weigh immediate impact against long term strategy.

Semenyo’s profile has grown quickly this season, capped by his goal in Monday’s 4-4 draw at Old Trafford. At 25, he sits at a career sweet spot, experienced enough to contribute instantly, yet young enough to develop further under elite coaching. A release clause “understood to be slightly less than £65m”, including loyalty and agent payments, adds a clear financial marker, one that must be triggered early in January.

Player preference and market dynamics

Crucially, Semenyo is “thought to favour joining Liverpool, with City his second choice”, leaving United with persuasion work despite Ruben Amorim’s long standing interest. Player preference often proves decisive in modern deals, particularly when release clauses compress timelines and reduce room for negotiation.

Liverpool’s interest is framed as strategic rather than reactive. Arne Slot is described as intent on signing Semenyo as a successor to Mohamed Salah, a significant indicator of how highly the forward is rated internally. City, meanwhile, have already “made contact with the player and his representatives”, underlining Pep Guardiola’s continued influence in the market even amid uncertainty about his own future.

Photo: IMAGO

Tactical fit across contenders

Amorim’s admiration is explicit. Before facing Bournemouth, he labelled Semenyo a “special” footballer, with plans to deploy him as a left wingback or No 10. This reflects United’s immediate squad needs, especially with Patrick Dorgu struggling to convince and Diogo Dalot more comfortable on the right.

Liverpool and City offer different selling points. Liverpool can pitch a defined attacking pathway and continuity under Slot, while City’s pull lies in system clarity and sustained title contention. Tottenham’s interest is noted, though their chances are described as slim.

Timing, availability and January reality

International scheduling also plays its part. With Ghana not qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations, Semenyo is available to move next month, unlike several United forwards absent on duty. That availability sharpens January appeal and raises the likelihood of swift resolution.

This is a deal shaped by clarity, clause, preference and planning. The next few weeks will test how decisively each club acts.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this report lands with genuine intrigue rather than blind excitement. Semenyo being “thought to favour joining Liverpool” matters, not as a headline boast but as evidence that the club’s sporting direction still resonates with elite level talent. Players talk, agents talk, and Liverpool remain a destination where roles feel defined.

The idea of Semenyo as a long term successor to Mohamed Salah is especially compelling. Not because he mirrors Salah stylistically, he does not, but because Liverpool appear to be thinking in phases rather than panic buys. Semenyo offers power, directness and positional flexibility, traits that fit a Slot side evolving beyond reliance on one superstar.

The release clause also appeals to Liverpool logic. Clear valuation, no prolonged auction, decisive action if the player fits. £65m in this market feels aggressive but not reckless, particularly for a 25 year old Premier League proven forward entering his peak.

United’s interest feels more urgent, almost reactive, driven by short term gaps and AFCON disruption. City remain the perennial threat, yet Semenyo’s reported preference suggests minutes and responsibility still trump trophies for some players.