Antoine Semenyo's release clause, Man Utd meeting and Liverpool stance with transfer 'accepted' - The Mirror

Antoine Semenyo has been one of the stars of the Premier League season so far and the Bournemouth ace has been tipped to move on in January amid links with Liverpool and Manchester United

Antoine Semenyo's future could be one of the biggest talking points of the January transfer window. Notching six goals and three assists in Bournemouth's first six games of the Premier League season, the forward started the campaign on fire.

Two of those came on the opening night against Liverpool, as the Cherries came from behind to level the scores at Anfield - only to lose 4-2 in the dying embers. Although Semenyo, 25, hasn't scored or assisted since the start of October, interest in him persists.

It emerged on Monday that the Ghana international has a £65million release clause, adding to the simmering speculation over his future. Semenyo signed a new contract with Bournemouth in July, supposedly keeping him on the south coast until 2030.

But Liverpool and Manchester United could test the Cherries' resolve this winter, with Tottenham also linked. It wouldn't be the first time that Semenyo has spoken to one of the so-called 'Big Six' either.

Mirror Football breaks down the situation.

Bournemouth 'accept' they can't stop transfer

While Bournemouth aren't pushovers by any means, they do have to accept reality. That's why chiefs at the Vitality Stadium have reluctantly accepted that they're powerless to stop Semenyo from leaving as soon as January, despite wanting to keep him until at least the end of this season.

The Athletic were first to report news of his £65m release clause as well as Bournemouth's acceptance that a departure could be just over six weeks away. Notably, the proposed buyer - which can be any club at home or abroad - must activate the clause by a specific date in order to allow Bournemouth a couple of weeks to find a replacement.

Who needs Antoine Semenyo more - Liverpool or Manchester United? Have your say in the comments section.

In a recent interview, Tim Bezbatchenko, general manager at Bournemouth, admitted that he'd struggle to deny Semenyo a move to an elite club and even mentioned Liverpool. "When a club like Real Madrid, Liverpool, PSG come in and they're competing for Champions League positions, who are we to say, 'No, you can't go, you can't fulfil your dream'," Bezbatchenko told the Business of Sport podcast.

"No it wouldn't be like that for all clubs because not everyone is Real Madrid. But there is an opportunity and everybody wins right? I think that's what we're trying to find, this commonality where everybody can win."

Ruben Amorim meeting and Man Utd talks

With the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, and interest in the likes of Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton, it's clear that United want to recruit Premier League-proven stars. That explains why Ruben Amorim reportedly had dinner with Semenyo in London at the end of last season to assess his character.

Old Trafford chiefs Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox are also said to have held talks with Bournemouth, with United willing to pay £55m. But it's claimed via The Transfers Podcast that Semenyo rejected their advances after discovering that United intended to offer him less money than their other targets.

Liverpool's stance

Liverpool may've spent £320m to reshape their attack just a few months ago but the Premier League champions are still looking to add to their squad. Multiple reports say that Liverpool are keeping tabs on the 25-year-old, who joined Bournemouth from Bristol City for £10m in January 2023.

On paper, Semenyo would find it hard to find a place in Arne Slot's side but their form this season suggests that a readymade goalscorer could be exactly what they need. But can they afford another expensive outlay in the same financial year?

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