Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool have been alerted to the availability of Bournemouth’s star forward, Antoine Semenyo. The 25-year-old Ghanaian forward, who netted a career-high 11 goals for the Cherries last season and has already scored six times this term, has a release clause in his new five-year contract.
Semenyo, who stepped up his game following the departure of Dominic Solanke, has been attracting attention from top clubs with his impressive performances. According to talkSPORT, his new contract includes a release clause, which could be a boon for Liverpool and United, both of whom showed interest in the player over last summer.
The specifics of the clause, which would make Semenyo available at a set price, remain undisclosed. However, it is believed that Bournemouth values their star striker at around £75million.
It is understood that the club agreed to the clause as it was their best shot at securing Semenyo on a long-term deal after his stellar performances last season.
Arsenal were also linked with the London-born attacker last season, but their summer business – adding Ebere Eze and Noni Madueke as well as starting striker Viktor Gyokeres – have seen those links die down. Liverpool and United also added attacking reinforcements but continue to be mentioned in connection with a summer swoop for Semenyo.
Tottenham has also been mentioned as a potential destination. Semenyo’s old team-mate Solanke is already at the North London club, as is his international colleague Mohammed Kudus.
Semenyo has been away with his country during the international break, starting World Cup qualifying wins away to Central African Republic and at home to Comoros. The victories saw Otto Addo’s side clinch top spot in their group and book their place at next summer’s tournament in North America.
It marks a remarkable turnaround after the Black Stars failed to qualify for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Semenyo featured in four of the six qualifying games as Ghana finished bottom of their group behind Angola, Sudan and Niger.
“I’ve grown so much at the club, both on and off the pitch, and I’m really happy to have signed ahead of returning for pre-season,” Semenyo said when his new Bournemouth deal was announced in July.
“From the fans to the staff and my teammates, I can’t speak highly enough of the people around the club. It’s a great place to be and I’m excited to get back to Bournemouth and continue the hard work with the new season just around the corner.”
He kicked off the season in spectacular fashion, netting twice against Liverpool on the opening weekend as Bournemouth rallied from 2-0 down to draw 2-2, only to suffer a late defeat.
He also found the back of the net against Brighton and Leeds, before contributing two goals and an assist in a comeback triumph over Fulham just prior to the international break.
“Semenyo is in a very good spot, he is improving every season,” Cherries boss Andoni Iraola told Match of the Day following that victory. “I think he has confidence and we have to keep him there and encourage him to improve areas that he can improve. Now he is a player that is making the difference.”