Manchester clubs overtake Liverpool in race to sign £65m target

Last Updated on 16 December 2025

January transfer window opens in two weeks and Premier League clubs are ready to go big after a record-breaking summer.

The traditional top six clubs are facing mixed results as we approach the midway point of the Premier League campaign. As a result, January comes at the perfect time to seek replenishments to end the 2025/26 season on a high.

One Bournemouth player, however, is very high on the Christmas wishlist for five of the top six clubs.

Manchester City favorites for Antoine Semenyo with Manchester United ‘firmly’ in the race

Manchester United and Manchester City are firmly in the race to sign Antoine Semenyo, with the Bournemouth forward attracting serious attention ahead of January.

According to Sky Sports News’ Lyall Thomas and Rob Dorsett, Semenyo has a £65 million release clause that becomes active on January 1, immediately putting him on the radar of several top Premier League clubs.

As per our exclusive, Liverpool were leading the race for Semenyo up until late November. But that seems to have changed, with Manchester City now the firm favorites. Manchester United also have strong interest in Semenyo, meanwhile Arsenal could enter the race.

Tottenham are also in the race, and as per BBC, their offer could be the most lucrative to Semenyo. But Liverpool and City’s lure is undeniable for the Ghanaian’s sporting ambitions.

Antoine Semenyo back among the goals for the first time since early October

Bournemouth’s ace finally broke his goal and assist drought stretching back to the 3rd of October when Semenyo scored two and assisted a goal in the Cherries’ 3-1 win over Fulham.

Since then, he went seven games without a goal involvement. That coincides with Bournemouth’s recent form, with Andoni Iraola’s side winning only one game in that time.

But, Semenyo’s goal helped Bournemouth escape Old Trafford with a point after a goalfest against Manchester United. It was a well-taken finish from the 25-year-old, who scored the first of his team’s four goals in a Premier League classic.