Report: Antoine Semenyo deal agreed as Liverpool and Man City brace for transfer battle
Liverpool and Manchester City look set to go head-to-head in an intense battle for Antoine Semenyo’s signature.
Several trusted journalists have confirmed that Liverpool’s interest in the Bournemouth winger is very real. 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 believed to have alternative targets in mind should a deal prove difficult, they appear ready to go all out for the 25-year-old. Sources cited by CaughtOffside claim that Liverpool have already agreed personal terms with Semenyo and have matched Manchester City’s proposal, leaving the player to choose between the two giants.
Semenyo’s £65m clause runs until 10 January, after which a separate £60m clause is expected to apply next summer. It’s understood that the Bournemouth forward is in no rush to decide and has not yet shown a preference between Liverpool and City, despite agreeing terms with both.
The timing of Liverpool’s reported progress is notable, coming amid uncertainty over Mohamed Salah’s future following his public outburst last weekend. While there is hope that Salah can mend relations with Arne Slot and the club’s hierarchy, and avoid a January departure, FSG are clearly starting to plan for a future beyond their iconic No.11, who turns 34 next summer.
Semenyo began the season in electric form, scoring six goals in his first seven Premier League outings — including a brace against Liverpool — though he has since gone seven games without finding the net, with his last goal coming in early October against Fulham.
Despite that dip, his underlying numbers over the past year, highlighted by FBref data, suggest a player who excels in off-the-ball work — an area where some critics believe Salah has fallen short.
The reported agreement on personal terms underlines Liverpool’s serious intent and shows that Semenyo would strongly consider a move to Anfield, even as Manchester City remain equally compelling suitors.
With the transfer window reopening in just a few weeks, the Ghanaian’s future is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about stories heading into Christmas and the New Year — and the next chapter promises to be fascinating.