Report: Liverpool and Man City set for transfer battle after reaching agreement with Antoine Semenyo
Liverpool and Manchester City look to be heading for a fierce battle to secure the signing of Antoine Semenyo.
Multiple reliable journalists have confirmed that Liverpool’s interest in the Bournemouth winger is real, and as David Ornstein noted in The Athletic last month, the Ghanaian attacker has a £65m release clause that remains active until mid-January. The Reds reportedly have several backup options ready if they fail to land the 25-year-old, but all signs suggest they’re ready to go head-to-head for the Cherries standout.
According to CaughtOffside sources, Liverpool have now reached an agreement on personal terms with Semenyo and have matched Manchester City’s offer, leaving the forward to decide between the two clubs.
His £65m clause runs until 10 January, after which a different £60m clause activates next summer.
It’s understood that Semenyo won’t rush his decision and hasn’t indicated whether he favours Liverpool or City, despite agreeing terms with both. With fresh uncertainty surrounding Mo Salah following his explosive outburst last weekend, Liverpool’s reported progress with Semenyo appears perfectly timed.
While there is hope that the Egyptian will patch things up with Arne Slot and the club hierarchy—and won’t leave next month—FSG must now be seriously planning for life after their No.11, who turns 34 next summer.
Semenyo started the season brilliantly with six goals in his first seven Premier League matches (including two against Liverpool), although he hasn’t scored in his last seven outings since a 3–1 win over Fulham in early October (per Transfermarkt).
His underlying performance numbers over the past year (according to FBref) show a strong work ethic off the ball—an area where some pundits claim Salah has fallen short.
Liverpool’s agreement on personal terms signals clear intent to bring in the 25-year-old, and Semenyo appears genuinely open to joining them—though the same applies to Manchester City.
With the transfer window just three weeks away, the Ghana international’s future is shaping up to be one of the major stories leading into Christmas and the New Year. Whatever happens next promises to be very intriguing.