Report: Manchester United plot shock double Premier League raid – ready to pay big money

Last Updated on 18 December 2025

Manchester United are reportedly ‘prepared to pay big’ to land two of the Premier League’s most in-form talents, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, according to a new report.

As the January transfer window approaches, the Red Devils appear ready to back their squad with significant investment.

However, securing these deals will be far from straightforward, with fierce competition emerging from arch-rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.

Manchester United ready to pay big to sign Premier League duo

According to the report by The Daily Briefing, Manchester United chiefs are “serious about investing huge money” to secure both Elliot Anderson and Antoine Semenyo.

Speaking to sources with close ties to the agency industry, the outlet reveals that United have identified the pair as priority targets to bolster their options.

Regarding the pursuit of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, the report states that there United chiefs have contacted the Cherries in the last 48 hours as they step up their interest in Semenyo. However, there is fierce competition from Liverpool and Manchester City.

The situation surrounding the Nottingham Forest midfielder appears even more complex. While Anderson is described as being “high up on United’s list of targets,” the report warns that Manchester City may have already stolen a march on their neighbors.

The source told the outlet: “City have done a lot of work on Anderson already. There have been numerous scouting missions, with in-depth analysis showing that he ticks all the boxes for their current needs. They will likely do whatever they can to get that deal done ahead of the competition.”

How much would Semenyo cost?

If Manchester United are to succeed in bringing Antoine Semenyo to Old Trafford, they will need to meet a significant financial threshold.

Reports indicate that the Ghanaian international has a release clause in his contract set at £65 million, which becomes active in January.

While a summer move might see that figure drop slightly to around £60 million, United’s urgent need for attacking reinforcements, exacerbated by upcoming international duties for key squad members, may force them to trigger the clause immediately.

Bournemouth are under no pressure to sell below this valuation, meaning United must be prepared to pay the full premium to bypass negotiations and secure the winger ahead of their rivals.

Manchester clubs may have moved ahead of Liverpool in pursuit of Semenyo

Liverpool have been heavily linked with Semenyo in recent weeks, with strong suggestions that they have already agreed personal terms with the player.

We previously covered that Antoine Semenyo would prefer a move to Liverpool over Arsenal.

But with the Manchester clubs now involved and heavily interested in the player, the situation could evolve.

However, recent developments suggest the two Manchester clubs have now overtaken Liverpool in their pursuit and are now ahead in the race.

Semenyo’s impressive form in the Premier League

It is easy to see why the Premier League’s elite are circling Antoine Semenyo. The 25-year-old has been in electrifying form for Bournemouth this season, tallying 7 goals and 3 assists in the league so far.

His recent performance against Manchester United at Old Trafford was a particular highlight, where he scored in a thrilling 4-4 draw.

His dynamic playstyle, combining pace, power, and clinical finishing, has drawn high praise from top managers, including United’s own Ruben Amorim.

Amorim recently labeled Semenyo a “special player” following his side’s clash with the Cherries, a comment that has only fueled speculation that the Portuguese manager is keen to work with the forward on a permanent basis.