Why spending £65m on Antoine Semenyo in January is the best move Man Utd can make

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Manchester United have been increasingly linked with a move to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, and this could happen in January.

There have been few Premier League players better than Antoine Semenyo over the past 12 months, and as a result, he is expected to be the subject of a big-money move in 2026.

Manchester United will be in this race for the Ghanaian, with Semenyo’s £65m release clause being very tempting, as it is a very acceptable fee.

United see signing Semenyo in January as an option, although the £65m as one lump sum would be difficult for any club in January.

Should Man Utd pay Antoine Semenyo’s £65m release clause in January?

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However, United have methods of raising funds in January, and a deal cannot be written off, especially when considering that other targets aren’t available.

Antoine Semenyo is the only major Manchester United target available in January

In an ideal world, January would see Manchester United solve the midfield predicament, with several players emerging as targets for the position.

United have been linked with Elliot Anderson heavily, along with Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton. However, there are additional players being linked from across Europe.

The issue is, none of these players are available mid-season unless Ineos can cough up what might be well in excess of £100m.

So instead of spending £50m elsewhere on a midfielder who isn’t the top choice and might need replacing in 18 months, United should be spending £65m on Semenyo to complete the front five.

Semenyo is one of the best players in the league, and his addition would be similar to that of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, which is the recruitment method United should be looking to use.

While the midfield would remain weak, left wing-back has also been a position United have struggled in this season going forward, but Semenyo would be an immediate fix for this.

It would make complete sense to sign Semenyo, as it could be transformational for the attack and see the system a lot more balanced, in turn improving Amad and Mbeumo.

Then, in the summer, United can make a fresh attack for a midfielder of Amorim’s choice. But as reported in March, Amorim is a big fan of Semenyo, and so it makes sense to move for him while he is available. If United don’t, another club will.

Antoine Semenyo is right in Ineos’ price range at Manchester United

Last summer, United’s three big signings all came in the £62m to £66m price range, and so Semenyo would fit right in.

For a player so talented and Premier League proven, it would be a steal, and United have been keen on Semenyo for years, meaning it isn’t an impulse buy.

Semenyo would add goals and assists to the left side of United’s attack, while also being a perfect mentor for Patrick Dorgu, who has the potential to be every bit as good.