Manchester United are pushing to sign Antoine Semenyo, amid competition from rivals City.
Antoine Semenyo’s release clause is set at £65 million, making him a ‘too good to refuse’ option in the transfer market this January.
Manchester United’s real need is to sign a central midfielder, and this is expected to be addressed with a big money spend in the summer.
United have expressed interest in Semenyo, and are waiting on the Bournemouth star’s decision, after claims that he has already ruled out Tottenham.
Semenyo has scored eight goals and provided three assists in 16 appearances to date in 2025/26.
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Antoine Semenyo had clear idea over best position
Antoine Semenyo’s rise is fascinating. Manchester United have been tracking his progress since 2018, while he was on loan at Newport County, from Bristol City.
Along the way, Semenyo’s role has changed too. He is playing as a left-winger for Bournemouth, and this would face another tweak at United.
Semenyo is a candidate to play in either the left wing-back role, mirroring Amad’s success on the right, while he could also play as a number 10, if United need him to.
In an interview from 2022 while playing for Bristol City in the Championship, Semenyo talked about his best position. And his clear preference was playing as a striker.
Semenyo told Sky Sports: “I much prefer playing in the No 9. If I need to do a job out wide then I’m happy to do that, but my main position is as a striker.”
He admitted that he found it difficult playing out wide, again reiterating his preference to playing up front.
“Playing out wide was tough. It was new to me. I did it out on loan too and it was all off the cuff.
“I am willing to learn that side of things as well, and I’m happy to play out there if needed, but I’d rather be through the middle. I feel like I can get more goals and assists there, and contribute more to the team.”
Semenyo’s comments show how impressive it is that he has adapted to become a successful winger, taking into account his earlier reluctance to fully embrace the role.
These comments also demonstrate that if Semenyo has any doubts over playing at wing-back, he should be confident that he can meet this challenge head-on, and Ruben Amorim should have full faith in his ability to adapt.
He added: “I’m versatile, I can go in behind and I can link up play when I need to. I feel like I can provide both those skills as a No 9, which is really helpful for the team. If we’re struggling in possession I know I can help.”
Should Man Utd pay Antoine Semenyo’s £65m release clause in January?
Added versatility would suit Man Utd
Antoine Semenyo’s comments are from 2022, and while he has developed as a player since, he won’t have lost any of the ability that enabled him to play up front.
If Semenyo joins, he would likely be playing at left-wing back and when required, number 10.
But there is also a very real chance that he could end up becoming a striker for Manchester United too.
Benjamin Sesko is a talented striker, but also one who is still learning his craft, and is a very different player stylistically to Semenyo.
If Manchester United need an alternative, or simply a change of approach, Semenyo could easily lead the line. And this added option makes him an even more attractive potential signing.
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