Ghanaian star hunted by Liverpool, Man City urged to ‘take next step’ by Black Star coach

Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has been thrust into the centre of a looming transfer battle between Liverpool and Manchester City after Black Stars coach Otto Addo publicly encouraged him to “take the next step” in his career.

With a £65million release clause active for just two weeks in January, Europe’s biggest clubs are circling as Bournemouth brace for interest.

Liverpool’s long-standing admiration for Semenyo has intensified ahead of the January transfer window, but they face fierce competition from Manchester City, who are reportedly considering triggering his £65m release clause.

The clause, valid only in the first half of January, was added when the 25-year-old signed a new five-year deal in July, giving Bournemouth time to secure a replacement if needed.

Semenyo’s national team coach Otto Addo believes the forward is ready for a bigger stage, saying, “He has done very well at Bournemouth, but with all the respect for Bournemouth and what they're doing, surely it is natural for him to take the next step.”

Addo added that timing is not the issue, noting, “Whether it’s in the winter or summer, it is a different question but it won't make a difference for us.”

His comments arrive just months before Ghana face England, Croatia, and Panama at the 2026 World Cup.

Semenyo, who joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023 for £10m, has developed into one of the Premier League’s most dynamic forwards, scoring 28 goals and providing 13 assists across 113 appearances.

Although he has six goals and three assists this season, he has not scored since early October, coinciding with Bournemouth’s recent dip in form.

However, manager Andoni Iraola insists the rumours are not affecting the player, stating, “Antoine is our player, he will continue being our player… I’m not worried about the next markets.”

Iraola emphasised his focus on the short term, adding, “In January, you can ask me about the market… but it is not something that I'm worried about today.”

As Liverpool and Manchester City prepare their next moves, Semenyo’s form and future remain a major subplot heading into the January window.