Liverpool vying with Manchester clubs for Semenyo | OneFootball

Manchester United are competing with Liverpool and Manchester City for the signing of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo in the January transfer window, with Ruben Amorim having identified the 25-year-old as a target last summer.

According to The Guardian, Semenyo is believed to prefer a move to Liverpool, with City his next favoured option, leaving United with work to do if they are to win the race.

The Ghana international, who scored during Bournemouth’s 4-4 draw at Old Trafford on Monday, has a release clause thought to be just under £65m. That figure is understood to include loyalty bonuses and agent fees and must be activated early next month. Tottenham have also shown interest, though they are considered outsiders.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot views Semenyo as a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, while City have already held discussions with the player and his representatives. Although Pep Guardiola’s contract runs until June 2027, uncertainty surrounds his future, but that situation is not expected to influence Semenyo’s decision.

Amorim is keen to add Semenyo to his squad as cover across multiple roles, particularly at wing-back and in attack. The United boss recently described him as a “special” player and sees him primarily operating as a left wing-back or a No 10. Patrick Dorgu has struggled to cement that role since arriving last January, while Diogo Dalot is more naturally suited to the right side.

United are currently without Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo due to their involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations with Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon respectively. Ghana’s failure to qualify means Semenyo would be available to complete a move next month.

United travel to Aston Villa on Sunday and are enjoying their strongest spell under Amorim, having lost just once in their last 10 matches. They sit sixth in the table, one place above Liverpool, while Manchester City are second, two points behind leaders Arsenal.