The ascent of Antoine Semenyo from promising wide forward to one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers has been one of the season’s defining storylines. Starting his campaign with a clinical double at Anfield, the Bournemouth winger has become both a scorer and creator of real substance. With six goals and three assists in 11 league matches, he has carved out a reputation as one of the division’s most consistent final-third contributors.

Naturally, such form has alerted several major clubs. A £65million release clause — active only for a limited time in January — has created urgency, especially with an even lower figure due to take effect in the summer. Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester City are all assessing whether Semenyo is the missing piece in their squads.

Below is a detailed look at where Semenyo would fit, how each club might use him, and who is realistically equipped to finance a deal this winter.

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Manchester United: a strong tactical fit blocked by timing and budget

Why Semenyo suits United

In Ruben Amorim, United have a head coach who depends on explosive, two-footed wide players capable of driving through transitions and unlocking stubborn defensive shapes. Semenyo’s direct dribbling, pace, strength and increasingly selective shooting make him an almost ideal match.

Operating on the right of Amorim’s 3-4-3 would suit him well, but he can also shift to the left or adjust into wide defensive positions if United rotate their attacking structure. His two-footedness grants United greater flexibility and more complex movement patterns in advanced areas.

United also prefer signings who have proven themselves in the Premier League and bring intensity both with and without the ball. Semenyo fits those criteria seamlessly.

Can United afford him?

Despite appreciating his qualities, United face financial and positional hurdles. More than £200million was spent on attackers in the most recent window, and the arrival of Bryan Mbeumo — who plays in Semenyo’s favoured area — complicates matters further.

With Mbeumo and Amad Diallo both absent during the Africa Cup of Nations, Amorim could use extra depth, yet the club’s immediate priority is believed to be central midfield. Unless major sales are made or plans shift unexpectedly, a January move appears unlikely.

Tottenham Hotspur: a natural home and one of the few clubs built to act quickly

Why Semenyo suits Spurs

Few top clubs have tracked Semenyo as consistently as Tottenham. Their hunt for a left-winger in the summer was well known, and while they pivoted towards other targets, the need has not disappeared. With the right side strengthened by Mohammed Kudus, Spurs still lack a natural match-winner on the left.

Semenyo offers exactly what their attack is missing: direct running, goals, two-footed finishing and the ability to force defensive errors. He fits their broader plan of blending rising stars with ready-made performers who are entering their prime years. Under Ange Postecoglou, wide players carry responsibility. Semenyo thrives when trusted.

Can Spurs afford him?

Spurs remain in a healthy position regarding profit and sustainability rules and showed willingness to strengthen late in the window with Randal Kolo Muani’s arrival. The urgency of their need for a left-sided threat, paired with the belief that £65million represents good value, makes them one of the strongest candidates to activate the clause.

Of all the major clubs monitoring Semenyo, Spurs appear best placed to move fast in January.

Liverpool: a stylistic match but a squad still prioritising other areas

Why Semenyo suits Liverpool

With only Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah firmly trusted by Arne Slot, Liverpool’s wide options are thin. The sale of Luis Diaz left a gap not fully filled by Federico Chiesa or prodigy Rio Ngumoha. As a result, Liverpool’s attack has lost its balance and width at key moments.

Semenyo’s speed, strength and directness are characteristics Slot values highly. He excels in one-on-one situations, presses aggressively and contributes goals from both feet. His work under Andoni Iraola means he already understands the high-intensity principles Liverpool rely on.

He could play either flank and offer the kind of transitional threat that transformed Liverpool last season.

Can Liverpool afford him?

Liverpool spent nearly £450million in their overhaul, yet their late push to sign Marc Guehi indicates that funds remain available for the right opportunity. However, with Giovanni Leoni suffering a long-term injury, centre-back depth has become a bigger priority for January.

Semenyo would certainly upgrade the squad, but given the scale of recent turnover, Liverpool may hesitate to introduce another big-money signing mid-season. A summer approach is far more realistic.

Manchester City: a strong stylistic addition, but squad numbers are an obstacle

Why Semenyo suits City

Pep Guardiola’s teams traditionally rely on wide forwards who can beat defenders and score regularly. Jeremy Doku is improving but may never become one of City’s leading goal threats. Savinho and Oscar Bobb have promise, yet they are still forming their senior attacking identities.

The departure of Riyad Mahrez, and earlier exits of Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane, have left City without consistent wide goalscorers. Semenyo would provide a two-footed threat on either flank, improving their counter-attacking speed and relieving some of the growing burden on Erling Haaland.

Can City afford him?

City always have the finances to operate near the top of the market, and their squad refresh has lowered some wage commitments. A deal is financially possible, but only if a forward is moved on first.

Guardiola has a deep stable of attackers, and adding another would require space to be freed. Without an outgoing, the numbers make a January move difficult.

Bournemouth: why staying might still be the most beneficial move for Semenyo

Why remaining at Bournemouth benefits him

Despite the lure of bigger clubs, Semenyo is thriving in a system designed perfectly for his strengths. Under Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth play fast, vertical football with an emphasis on transitions, pressing and direct wide play. Semenyo leads the league in counter-attacking goals, demonstrating the harmony between his style and the team’s mechanics.

He is also capable of unpicking deeper blocks. His goal against Fulham — a burst of stepovers, acceleration and a tight-angled finish — underlined his ability to destabilise organised defences through individual quality.

At Bournemouth he is a focal point, not a rotation option. Their project is growing, their new facilities are first-class, and Iraola’s coaching is accelerating his development. Another year of top-level minutes could prove invaluable before stepping into a more possession-dominant environment.

Conclusion

The race for Antoine Semenyo is real, but it is more complex than simply paying the clause. Tottenham stand out as the clearest January suitor, balancing need, resources and system fit. Liverpool and Manchester City admire him but face structural challenges, while Manchester United appear unlikely to act mid-season due to budget constraints and positional congestion.

For Semenyo himself, timing may be as important as ambition. Bournemouth remain an ideal environment for his current strengths, even as the elite circle with interest.