January transfer watch: Semenyo edges closer to manchester city move

Antoine Semenyo is approaching a decisive moment in his career as Manchester City step up discussions over a potential January move for the Bournemouth forward, Sport360NG reports.

Sources indicate negotiations have advanced significantly in recent days, leaving City confident they are in a strong position to secure the 25-year-old’s signature.

Semenyo has attracted widespread interest across the Premier League, with Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea all making enquiries at various stages. However, United are understood to have cooled their pursuit amid growing belief the Ghana international is leaning towards Pep Guardiola’s side, while Chelsea have chosen not to proceed further.

Liverpool have explored the parameters of a possible deal and could revisit their interest depending on developments following Alexander Isak’s recent leg fracture. Tottenham, meanwhile, are considered outsiders in the race.

Semenyo, who joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023, has a £65 million release clause that is valid only during the first 10 days of January. The clause was included when he signed a new contract in July to deter summer interest, although the fee is expected to reduce slightly in the next transfer window.

Bournemouth acknowledge the risk of losing one of their most influential players and are open to discussions with any suitor willing to allow Semenyo to remain at the club until the end of the season. Financially, sources suggest prospective buyers are offering broadly similar personal terms, leaving the player’s sporting ambitions as the key factor in his decision.

Semenyo, who turns 26 on 7 January, is conscious he is entering his peak years and is keen to commit to a long-term project capable of challenging for major honours.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola insisted the speculation has not distracted the forward. “There is a lot of noise around him, but my only concern is that it doesn’t affect his performances,” Iraola said. “He is very committed to the team and I hope we can keep him. It’s a situation we can’t control, but right now he is our player.”

Personal considerations, including the impact on his family and a desire to avoid a prolonged transfer saga, are also expected to influence Semenyo’s final call as the January window approaches.