Antoine Semenyo has a £65million release clause in his Bournemouth contract that can be triggered during the opening fortnight of the January transfer window. The winger has been in impressive form for the Cherries this season, with Manchester United and Liverpool thought to be keen on snapping him up. Tottenham have also maintained their interest in Semenyo after trying to sign him last summer.
The Ghana international has scored seven goals and contributed three assists across 15 league appearances, figures that have intensified transfer speculation surrounding his future. According to The Telegraph, a four-way battle is set to unfold between alongside United, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City for the forward’s services.
Tottenham and United pursued Semenyo during the previous summer window, but he ultimately remained at the Vitality Stadium after Bournemouth slapped an £80million price tag on their prized asset.
He subsequently penned a fresh five-year deal featuring a £65million release clause, which becomes active between January 1 and January 15.
However, if Spurs wish to bring Semenyo to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they may need to act swiftly, as United are reportedly preparing to go “all-out” for the player in January.
The Red Devils are hoping that the speculation surrounding Pep Guardiola‘s future at rivals City will strengthen their position in any potential transaction.
Ruben Amorim hailed Semenyo as a ‘special player’ prior to Monday’s thrilling draw with Bournemouth, in which the forward scored an impressive goal.
Amorim said: “They have a special player. They have many good players, but they have a special player in Semenyo. [He] can play both sides with both feet.”
Thomas Frank has similarly sung Semenyo’s praises. Whilst managing Brentford ahead of a clash with Bournemouth last year, he commented: “Semenyo can play wherever he wants to play. He’s a fantastic player.
“I think he’s been the best individual player for Bournemouth this season. He is definitely a player we need to look out for and do our best to close down.”
Frank’s judgement proved accurate, as Semenyo subsequently delivered 13 goals and seven assists across 42 matches last campaign, representing the finest figures of his professional career thus far.
It remains to be seen where he will end up in January, with no shortage of interest coming from some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.