Antoine Semenyo wants transfer future decided by 1 January

Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo is entering a decisive 48-hour period, with the Ghana international keen to have his future resolved by 1 January as interest from Europe’s elite gathers pace.

According to BBC Sport, Manchester City are currently leading the race for Semenyo and have advanced discussions with his representatives, with further talks scheduled over the next two days. The 25-year-old has a £65m release clause, and City are understood to be the only club so far to make formal club-to-club contact with Bournemouth.

While City’s move has gathered momentum, Semenyo’s future is not yet sealed. The forward remains open to alternatives until an agreement is signed, and there is still uncertainty over whether Liverpool will formalise their interest.

Liverpool are among five clubs to have enquired about Semenyo, alongside City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. The Reds’ interest has been sharpened by the injury suffered by Alexander Isak, and sporting director Richard Hughes has strong links to Bournemouth from his time at the Vitality Stadium.

However, at this stage, City remain the only side to have progressed beyond enquiries.

Sources indicate Bournemouth would ideally like to retain Semenyo for their first two fixtures of 2026 — against Arsenal on 3 January and Tottenham four days later — before sanctioning any departure.

There is also a contractual consideration. Semenyo’s £65m release clause mechanism expires on 10 January, after which it cannot be activated again until the summer window. The player, however, is keen to avoid a drawn-out saga and wants clarity well before that deadline.

Semenyo will turn 26 on 7 January, and there is a clear recognition that he is entering the prime years of his career. Those close to the player suggest he will prioritise a move that offers:

That mindset may yet influence whether City’s proposal proves decisive or whether another suitor makes a late move once the window opens.

With the January transfer window opening on 1 January, the coming days are critical. City are pushing to close a deal quickly, but until contracts are signed, Liverpool and others remain watchful.

What is clear is Semenyo’s own stance: he wants his future settled swiftly — and does not want this to become another prolonged January transfer drama.

Should Semenyo commit early to Manchester City — or wait to see if Liverpool or another rival makes a decisive move?