Antoine Semenyo was on Manchester United’s radar in the summer, but they failed to get a deal over the line. The Red Devils invested heavily in their attack ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, signing Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
However, Ruben Amorim reportedly had the Bournemouth forward on his wish list as well. The Portuguese is said to have had dinner with the Ghanaian in order to convince him to move to the Theatre of Dreams, but the player ended up staying at the Vitality Stadium.
Semenyo has since signed a new deal until 2030 but that has done little to curb speculation over his future.
An explosive start to the new campaign
Semenyo has been outstanding for the Cherries so far this season, scoring six goals and setting up three more from seven games across competitions, more than United’s new attacking trio combined.
Only Erling Haaland has scored more goals than the 25 year old in the league this season. The situation has forced his suitors to take note, and recent reports suggest that the Red Devils are ready to rekindle their interest in the player.
Semenyo’s ability to make an impact on both ends of the pitch, coupled with his impressive pace, makes him a fine option for the right wing-back position as well. It is believed that the Ghanaian has a release clause in his deal, which has fuelled talk of a possible move in 2026.
With the team still struggling in front of goal, the Red Devils could be tempted to further strengthen their attack at the turn of the year.
However, if the Premier League giants are planning a move for Semenyo in January, they could be in for disappointment.
Release Clause cannot be exercised in January
According to TBR Football, Semenyo’s release clause will not be active at the turn of the year.
Speaking to the publication, journalist Graeme Bailey said: “We don’t know too many details on Semenyo, but it has not been confirmed he does have a clause; they were inevitable to come out given so many clubs have been asking about him.
“Bournemouth insist they will not be selling in January, which, of course, they can in theory, but we have to presume they will stick to that.
“They value the player at well over £70 million anyway, and that would be tough in the January market. Come the summer, the expectation from around the Vitality is that they will sell, but when he does go, it will be a club record.”
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in the race as well, despite being priced out of a move in the summer transfer window. Atletico Madrid are also eyeing the Ghanaian with interest.
Semenyo could push Mbeumo for a place in the attack, while he could also be an upgrade on Amad Diallo and Diogo Dalot in the right wing-back position. However, as things stand, Amorim is unlikely to add the Ghanaian to his squad in January.
Featured image Ryan Pierse via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
