Manchester City apply transfer pressure to Liverpool in £65 million chase for Premier League star | OneFootball

Liverpool are facing increasing pressure over their potential pursuit of Antoine Semenyo in January amid competition from within the Premier League.

The Bournemouth forward has become one of the most discussed names heading into winter, with several top-flight clubs keeping close tabs on his possible availability at the Vitality Stadium.

Manchester City’s interest has grown steadily, building on earlier indications that Pep Guardiola holds admiration for Semenyo’s profile and what he could add to an attack that has long searched for a consistent wide goalscorer. City’s scouting intentions have only intensified with concerns over their over-reliance on Erling Haaland and a lack of midfield goals.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are dealing with their own challenges ahead of January. Mohamed Salah’s Africa Cup of Nations involvement leaves a short-term void, prompting internal discussion over fast-tracking interest in Semenyo. With other options limited and long-term planning required, Liverpool’s recruitment department face a significant decision.

Complicating matters further is the strong level of competition. Manchester United and Tottenham have held an interest since summer, and a new contract signed by the player gives Bournemouth some protection despite a release clause.

According to a new report from iPaper’s Mark Douglas, Liverpool will have to decide whether to move for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo in January, or face competition from Manchester City in the summer.

Semenyo’s contract contains a clause for buying clubs to sign him for £65 million in the first week or so of the upcoming January transfer window, and part of Liverpool’s thinking is said to be moving for him would offset the potential loss of Mo Salah to the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, alongside interest from Manchester City, both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the Ghana international, whose release clause will drop to £60 million in the 2026 summer market.

From the side of Antoine Semenyo himself, the report claims that the player is happy at Bournemouth and not actively looking for a move away from the club, although concrete interest from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City would change that position.

From City’s perspective, the situation presents multiple strategic pathways and having usually avoided hasty January spending, the structure of Semenyo’s clause creates an unusual incentive to act quickly.

Pep Guardiola’s admiration for the forward adds a further layer of intrigue, particularly given City’s desire to reintroduce more direct, wide attacking threat to their system. If no club meets the early-window figure, City could position themselves strongly for a later move.

For now, all eyes turn to the opening week of the January window. If Liverpool delay, they risk inviting Manchester City – and other domestic rivals – into what could quickly become one of the defining transfer battles of 2026.