Liverpool face five club battle to sign Premier League star | OneFootball

Semenyo transfer battle intensifies as Liverpool monitor £65m January decision

Antoine Semenyo’s future is rapidly emerging as one of the defining storylines of the January transfer window, talkSPORT understands, with Liverpool firmly among four Premier League clubs tracking the Bournemouth forward’s situation. There is an understanding that Semenyo himself remains calm about the speculation, aware that a clearly defined £65million release clause could shape his next move once the window opens.

That clause is active only at the start of January and has been deliberately structured to give Bournemouth clarity and time to source a replacement. It is also set to reduce by £5million in the summer, but the immediacy of the winter market has sharpened interest. Semenyo signed a new long-term contract earlier this year running through to 2030, leaving Bournemouth protected unless a club chooses to meet the valuation outright.

Performances have ensured his name stays central to recruitment discussions. The Ghana international ended a seven-match league goal drought with a strike at Old Trafford, taking his Premier League tally to seven goals this season, alongside three assists from 15 appearances. For a wide forward operating in a physically demanding role, that return has underlined his growing influence.

Liverpool interest driven by squad planning

Liverpool’s admiration for Semenyo is understood to be part of broader squad planning rather than a reactive move tied to short-term uncertainty. The club had already identified a need to strengthen its attacking options after failing to directly replace Luis Díaz following his move to Bayern Munich.

Recruitment staff see Semenyo as a forward who fits several criteria: Premier League experience, physical robustness, and the ability to operate across multiple attacking positions. Those traits align with the evolving tactical demands under Arne Slot, where versatility and intensity without the ball are valued highly.

While initial planning pointed towards an addition in 2026, the presence of a fixed January release clause changes the calculus. Should another club activate it early in the window, Liverpool would face a decision on whether to escalate their interest sooner than planned, rather than risk missing out altogether.

Manchester City and United weighing timing

Manchester City’s interest has been shaped by a desire to add greater goal output from wide areas. Pep Guardiola is keen to introduce a winger capable of consistently contributing goals, an attribute the club feels can still be improved within the current squad options.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are revisiting an approach first made during the previous summer. Their preference would be to address the position in the off-season, but the competitive nature of the market may force earlier action. With attacking resources stretched during the winter period, United are conscious of rivals moving first if Semenyo’s clause is triggered.

Tottenham ambitions and Arsenal conditions

Tottenham Hotspur remain active in their long-term forward planning despite recent investment. Semenyo’s ability to play on either flank is viewed as an attractive profile for a squad still refining its attacking balance under Thomas Frank. Spurs are expected to add further attacking depth across the next two windows, with January seen as a possible opportunity rather than a necessity.

Arsenal’s stance is more measured. Any move for Semenyo would depend on player sales, with the club expecting a relatively quiet January. Mikel Arteta’s side are targeting a new starting left winger ahead of next season, but those plans would only be accelerated if a departure occurs mid-season.

For Bournemouth, the coming weeks will bring increased scrutiny. For Semenyo, the focus remains on performance. For Liverpool and their rivals, this Semenyo transfer battle may ultimately come down to timing, conviction and a willingness to act decisively at £65million.