Report: Antoine Semenyo deal agreed as Liverpool and Manchester City brace for transfer battle
Liverpool and Manchester City look set for an intense battle over the signing of Antoine Semenyo.
Several trusted journalists have confirmed that Liverpool’s interest in the Bournemouth winger is concrete. As previously reported by David Ornstein for The Athletic, the Ghana international has a £65m release clause in his contract, which remains active until mid-January.
While Liverpool are believed to have alternative targets in mind should a deal prove unattainable, there is a growing sense that the club are willing to go head-to-head with City for the 25-year-old forward.
Liverpool reach personal terms with Semenyo
According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool have now agreed personal terms with Semenyo, matching Manchester City’s proposal and leaving the player to decide between the two Premier League giants.
His current £65m release clause expires on 10 January, after which a separate £60m clause will become active next summer.
It is understood that Semenyo is in no rush to resolve his future and has yet to signal a preference, despite reaching agreements with both clubs.
Could Semenyo be Salah’s long-term replacement?
With Mohamed Salah’s future under renewed scrutiny following his explosive comments last weekend, the timing of Liverpool’s reported progress with Semenyo appears significant.
While there remains hope that Salah can mend relations with Arne Slot and the club’s hierarchy and avoid a January departure, Liverpool’s owners are likely already planning for a future beyond the Egyptian star, who turns 34 next summer.
Semenyo made a blistering start to the campaign, scoring six goals in his opening seven Premier League matches — including a brace against Liverpool — although he has gone seven games without finding the net since Bournemouth’s 3-1 victory over Fulham in early October.
Despite that dip, his underlying numbers over the past year highlight a strong work ethic away from goal, with defensive contributions that contrast with criticism often aimed at Salah.
The agreement on personal terms underlines the seriousness of Liverpool’s interest and suggests that a move to Anfield is very much under consideration — though Manchester City remain equally placed.
With the transfer window reopening in three weeks, Semenyo’s future is set to dominate headlines as Christmas approaches, and the outcome promises to be one to watch closely.
