Ghanaian star Semenyo set to reject Man United, Liverpool for blockbuster Man City move

Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo is reportedly edging closer to a blockbuster move to Manchester City, with the Ghana international making his preference clear ahead of the January transfer window.

Despite strong interest from Manchester United and Liverpool, Semenyo is understood to be prioritising a switch to Pep Guardiola’s side in his pursuit of major trophies.

Semenyo’s desire to compete for top honours is said to be central to his wish to join Manchester City, who remain one of Europe’s dominant forces. While the January transfer window is yet to officially open and no formal agreement has been completed, momentum appears to be building behind a potential deal.

Chelsea had previously made an enquiry for the 25-year-old but have since pulled out of the race, while Manchester United explored a move without ever reaching an advanced stage.

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United’s interest reportedly cooled after it became clear that Semenyo was not fully convinced by a January switch to Old Trafford. Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have also admired the Bournemouth attacker, but neither club has matched City’s appeal in the player’s eyes.

Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reinforced the growing expectation of a City move, stating: “Manchester City are set to get all formal steps done for Antoine Semenyo deal in the next days. Manchester United have also been informed by the player’s camp about Antoine’s decision tonight.”

Semenyo has enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, registering eight goals and three assists in just 16 Premier League appearances.

His performances have only heightened interest, especially with a £65 million release clause in his Bournemouth contract, which runs until 2030 and becomes active in January.

Bournemouth had valued the Ghanaian at £70m last summer, but the fixed clause now offers interested clubs a clear pathway to secure his signature.

The Cherries are no strangers to big sales, having already offloaded several key players in recent windows, and would be given a short window to line up a replacement if the clause is triggered.

Since joining from Bristol City in January 2023, Semenyo has made 106 appearances for Bournemouth, scoring 30 goals and providing 13 assists, numbers that underline why Manchester City are now moving decisively to bring him to the Etihad.