England’s elite, including Manchester United, are expected to “reignite” their interest in Antoine Semenyo next year after the AFC Bournemouth winger’s electric start to the new season, according to a report.
A Long-Term Target
Semenyo, 25, enjoyed the best campaign of his career last year for the Cherries, notching 13 goals and seven assists across all competitions for Andoni Iraola’s side.
This is particularly impressive given the Spanish manager deployed him often as a traditional wide player in a 4-4-2, where his work rate and defensive contributions were as important as his attacking instincts.
Standing 6’1 with a powerful frame, Semenyo maintains excellent speed and acceleration. This makes him a devastatingly effective dribbler with the ball when these physical attributes are paired with his ambipedal technical ability.
Ruben Amorim is believed to be a huge fan of the Ghana international, who is likely to represent his country at the African Cup of Nations this winter.
United’s head coach is even reported to have met with Semenyo over the summer as the the Red Devils plotted to sign the winger, but instead prioritised moves for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
And despite securing both forwards over the summer, United look set to “reignite” their interest in Semenyo next year, but will face a red-hot transfer battle with the rest of the Premier League’s big-hitters according to TEAMtalk.
England’s elite are circling
Semenyo has three goals and two assists in the opening five league games as he, and his team, have begun the season in red-hot form.
Bournemouth had been tipped to suffer a decline after losing so many star players in the summer, but Iraola’s side have showed no signs of slowing down – with Semenyo their best player so far, both on and off the ball.
And it’s this combination – of hard work and industry coupled with decisive contributions in the final third – which is likely driving United to revisit a move for the Ghanian winger, despite him signing a new long-term deal at the Vitality Stadium.
“Bournemouth will prepare for another battle to keep hold of Antoine Semenyo in 2026, TEAMtalk understands, with Premier League giants expected to reignite interest in the attacker.
“The Cherries successfully resisted approaches in the 2025 summer window, but Semenyo’s strong start to the new campaign has ensured he remains firmly on the radar of some of England’s biggest clubs.
“Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Arsenal were all linked with the Ghana international last summer, following a breakout 2024/25 season with 13 goals and seven assists across all competitions.
“Tottenham looked into a breakthrough on a couple of occasions, and Manchester United explored the situation around their push for more creativity.”
The report reveals Bournemouth will not entertain any bids in January, nor does Semenyo have a release clause in his new contract. The club’s full focus remains on achieving the best campaign possible, while figures like Semenyo and even Iraola remain on the south coast.
There is not an obvious home for Semenyo at Old Trafford in Amorim’s front three after over £200 million was spent securing the Portuguese coach a new attacking trident, comprised of Cunha, Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
But Semenyo’s potent pairing of physicality and technique, as well as two footedness, means he could be converted into an outstanding wing-back in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system – with this position growing higher on the priority list at Old Trafford according to recent reports.
Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
