Report: Liverpool and Manchester City prepare for transfer battle after agreement reached with Antoine Semenyo
Liverpool and Manchester City look set to go head-to-head in an intense battle to secure the signature of Antoine Semenyo.
Several trusted sources have confirmed that Liverpool’s interest in the Bournemouth winger is genuine. As David Ornstein reported for The Athletic last month, the Ghana international has a £65m release clause that remains active until mid-January. While the Reds are said to have alternative targets lined up should a deal prove impossible, all indications suggest they are ready to compete strongly for the 25-year-old.
Liverpool reach personal terms with Semenyo
According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool have now agreed personal terms with Semenyo, matching the proposal put forward by Manchester City. This leaves the forward with a major decision to make between two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
His current £65m release clause runs until 10 January, after which a separate £60m clause is expected to come into force next summer. Despite the growing interest, Semenyo is reportedly in no rush to decide his future and has not yet shown a preference between the two suitors.
A potential successor to Salah?
Speculation around Semenyo’s future comes at a notable time, with uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah following his recent public comments. While Liverpool remain hopeful that the Egyptian can resolve matters with Arne Slot and the club’s hierarchy, the possibility of planning for life after their iconic No.11 is becoming increasingly real, especially with Salah set to turn 34 next summer.
Semenyo made a blistering start to the campaign, scoring six goals in his first seven Premier League matches — including a brace against Liverpool — though he has gone seven games without scoring since Bournemouth’s 3–1 win over Fulham in early October.
However, his underlying numbers over the past year suggest a player who contributes heavily without the ball. Data from FBref shows Semenyo ranking among the top percentiles for blocks, aerial duels won, clearances, and tackles, highlighting a strong defensive work rate that some critics believe Salah has lacked at times.
The reported agreement on personal terms underlines Liverpool’s serious intent and suggests the winger would strongly consider a move to Anfield — even if Manchester City offer an equally compelling option.
With the transfer window reopening in just three weeks, Semenyo’s future is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched storylines heading into Christmas and the New Year.