Int’l manager confirms Man Utd target ‘ready to take next step’ as January switch looks increasingly likely

Antoine Semenyo is said to be ‘ready to take the next step’ in his career amid growing transfer interest.That’s according to his national team head coach, Otto Addo, who has suggested a move away from Bournemouth would be ‘natural’ at this stage. Antoine Semenyo is ready to take the “next step” and a transfer away from Bournemouth would be “natural” for him, Ghana head coach Otto Addo has said. The Athletic reported last month that the 25-year-old has a £65million release clause, which is only active until a specific… pic.twitter.com/f9DI2Vu6B1 — The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) December 5, 2025In a summer that saw Bournemouth facilitate the exits of Milos Kerkez (Liverpool), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid) and Illia Zabarnyi (Paris Saint-Germain), keeping hold of their talisman Semenyo was the best piece of business they could’ve done.Not only did they avoid selling the forward, but Bournemouth also managed to tie him down to a new five-year deal. United and Semenyo: What happened in the summer?(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)However, recent revelations over the terms of his contract indicate Semenyo only green-lit the extension to allow for a more seamless exit later down the line, as a £65 million release clause was added to his deal.Interested sides can activate the clause from next month, although they will only have until a certain date in January to sign the Ghanaian in order to ensure Bournemouth can acquire a replacement.Among his suitors is Manchester United, who first held talks with Semenyo back in the summer.Manchester Evening News even reported that the player met with Ruben Amorim one-to-one to discuss a potential Old Trafford transfer, but nothing materialised.Could INEOS revive Semenyo pursuit next month?(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Given Amorim will be without key starters Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo when the African Cup of Nations gets underway, he could push for mid-season reinforcements to bolster his attack, and Semenyo would undoubtedly top the list of desired targets.While he’s endured a quiet spell in recent weeks, the 25-year-old enjoyed a scintillating start to the campaign in front of goal. Now, after matchweek 15, his record stands at six goals and three assists in the 14 appearances he’s made.