New club emerges as a surprise challenger to Manchester City’s pursuit of Antoine Semenyo

Last Updated on 28 December 2025

Manchester City have looked confident in their pursuit of one of the Premier League’s most explosive forwards, Antoine Semenyo. With Pep Guardiola’s side pushing to get business done early in the January window, Semenyo is their number one target.

But just as the race appeared to be narrowing, fresh signals from the south coast suggest the transfer landscape may be about to shift again.

Behind the scenes, another heavyweight is quietly positioning itself to re-enter the conversation. One with a familiar connection to Bournemouth and a growing need in attack.

Liverpool poised to disrupt Antoine Semenyo race

Bournemouth are now expecting Liverpool to emerge as genuine contenders for Antoine Semenyo, in what would represent a significant late twist in the saga, as per the Daily Mail.

Semenyo is widely expected to leave the Vitality Stadium in January. His £65 million release clause is set to be triggered by one of several interested clubs.

Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur have all registered interest. While, Liverpool historically have shown a lot of interest in Bournemouth’s superstar.

City remain the player’s preferred destination after days of internal deliberation before Christmas. And, Guardiola is keen to wrap up a deal ahead of the window opening.

However, Chelsea explored a late move last week but have since cooled their interest, citing depth in attacking areas.

Liverpool’s long-standing admiration, on the other hand, never fully disappeared. Semenyo fits the profile of forward the Reds are monitoring, powerful, direct, and capable of operating across the frontline.

Crucially, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes knows the Bournemouth setup inside out. He worked there until 2024, before signing Milos Kerkez, last summer.

As a result, sources on the south coast believe Hughes is now considering another raid on his former club.

Where should Antoine Semenyo go?

From Liverpool’s perspective, this is about more than simply hijacking City’s plans.

Arne Slot is keen to add tactical variety in the forward line, particularly with rotation and long-term succession planning in mind. Semenyo’s ability to press aggressively, attack space, and carry the ball over distance makes him a natural fit for a high-tempo system.

On the other hand, Semenyo gets to participate in a title race, right away, if he chooses Manchester City. He could also benefit majorly from Pep Guardiola’s coaching albeit questions over the Spaniard’s long-term future at the Etihad.

So, the Ghanaian has a decision to make with Bournemouth are resigned to losing their talisman. But where he ends up remains a mystery, with only three days left before the January transfer window opens.