If the numbers say anything, it is that AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is one of the Premier League’s most in-form forwards.
Eight games into the 2025–26 campaign, Semenyo has already notched six goals and three assists.
Only Erling Haaland has outscored the 25-year-old.
United’s failed pursuit
As Semenyo continues to shine, it is worth remembering he could have been doing so in United’s red.
Antoine Semenyo might well have been a Manchester United player this season.
It emerged not long ago that United had agreed personal terms with the forward last summer, paving the way for a move to Old Trafford.
They were close to striking a £55 million deal with Bournemouth until Tottenham Hotspur entered the race.
The Cherries seized the moment, using Spurs’ interest to drive up the asking price for their number 24.
Still, United remained hopeful. In fact, it was revealed that the player was keen to sign for the Reds; he even met head coach Ruben Amorim to discuss the move.
But the deal collapsed. A report claimed Semenyo backed out after realising he was offered a wage package significantly lower than Matheus Cunha’s.
His dissatisfaction with United’s terms allowed Bournemouth to convince him to sign a new deal.
Staying at the Vitality Stadium has proved a masterstroke; he has been a revelation.
Interest lingers
United links have not faded. Tottenham’s interest has also persisted.
And now, intriguingly, it has emerged that Semenyo’s new contract includes a release clause.
While the clause will not be active in January, United could be forced to pay over the odds to land him in the winter, if a revelation by The i Paper proves accurate.
Liverpool enter the fray
The UK outlet claims Liverpool have now thrown their hat into the ring for Semenyo. They report,
“Liverpool are considering a January transfer for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo as the pressure increases on out-of-form Mohamed Salah.”
INEOS may have been eyeing a summer battle for Semenyo, but Liverpool’s interest could force their hand early.
With Salah struggling, just two goals in 8 league games, it is no surprise Arne Slot’s side are chasing one of the league’s hottest properties.
United must act
If Amorim truly sees Semenyo as perfect for his project, United cannot afford to lose him to Liverpool.
Like Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, Semenyo is Premier League-proven. Add his versatility: ability to play across the forward line and even as a wing-back, and he certainly can be a serious asset for United’s push to reclaim the now elusive glory.
Featured image Ryan Pierse via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.
