Fabrizio Romano confirms Man United have ‘held talks’ to make room for January target | OneFootball

Manchester United Eye Semenyo as Transfer Strategy Takes Shape

Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth’s electric winger, has emerged as a key transfer target for Manchester United. The 25-year-old Ghanaian forward has been a standout performer in the Premier League this season, registering seven goals and three assists in 15 appearances. Semenyo’s exceptional form has triggered interest from several top-tier clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur, all vying for his signature in January.

Semenyo’s £60m Release Clause and Man United’s Transfer Plans

Semenyo is available for transfer, with his contract containing a £60m release clause plus £5m in add-ons, valid in the early stages of the January window. This clause has created a flurry of transfer activity, with Manchester United reportedly taking the lead in their pursuit of the player. United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, is particularly keen on bringing the dynamic winger to Old Trafford, despite having pressing needs in other areas, such as the midfield.

The Zirkzee Factor: Room to Make Space for Semenyo

For Manchester United, the path to securing Semenyo’s signature may depend on offloading one of their current players. Specifically, they need to find a new home for Joshua Zirkzee, the Dutch forward who arrived for £36.5m from Bologna in the summer of 2024. Zirkzee has struggled to find consistent form at Old Trafford, and sources suggest he could be heading for a January exit.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that United are in talks with Roma about a potential transfer for Zirkzee. “Manchester United may make room for a move for Antoine Semenyo by letting Joshua Zirkzee leave – via a permanent transfer or a loan deal with an obligation to buy,” Romano said. Should a deal for Zirkzee materialise, it would allow United to proceed with their pursuit of Semenyo, who has become one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League.

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Semenyo’s Decision: Liverpool or Manchester City?

The transfer race for Semenyo is increasingly becoming a two-horse race between Manchester City and Liverpool according to TeamTalk, both of whom are in talks with the player. Manchester City, keen to bolster their attacking options alongside Erling Haaland, are looking to outbid Liverpool for the winger’s services. The report indicates that Semenyo is now leaning towards a move to one of these two clubs, with City currently holding a slight advantage in the race.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United perspective, the pursuit of Semenyo makes sense given his impressive performances for Bournemouth this season. With United’s need for fresh attacking options, particularly in the wide positions, Semenyo’s speed and goal-scoring ability would bring an added dynamic to their forward line. However, United’s decision to offload Zirkzee in order to fund the move raises questions about their transfer strategy. If Zirkzee, a £36.5m signing, is already being pushed out, it highlights a significant misstep in their scouting and recruitment strategy.

Semenyo’s potential arrival could be an exciting development for United, but the club must act swiftly. While they have competition from top clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool, their challenge lies in finalising a deal for Zirkzee and convincing Semenyo that Old Trafford is the best destination for his career.