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Ex-Liverpool and Manchester United forward Paul Ince has advised Antoine Semenyo to hold off until the summer transfer window before considering a move away from Bournemouth.
Ince suggests that the outcome of the Premier League top-four race could determine which of his former clubs wins the battle for the winger's services. Semenyo, 25, has been a key player under Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, netting 18 goals and contributing eight assists in the top-flight since the commencement of the 2024/25 season.
His stellar performances have sparked rampant speculation about a potential January transfer, with a £65 million ($87 million) release clause in his contract and Liverpool among several clubs keeping tabs on his situation.
However, the player has been encouraged to take his time and weigh up his options before making any hasty mid-season decisions.
"I was surprised that Liverpool or Manchester United didn't sign Antoine Semenyo at the start of the season, because he's a top player," Ince shared with Covers.com via the Mirror.
"He should wait until the summer transfer window to make a move; January isn't a great time to move and clubs often don't like parting with players midway through a season.
"I don't see him staying put beyond the summer though. Bournemouth are great at sourcing players from all over the world, but ultimately they've always been a selling club.
"He'll have plenty of options on the table. He's got all the attributes to improve even more too; he's great on both feet, strong, quick and can bag you plenty of goals, as we've seen so far this year."
Liverpool currently sits seventh in the Premier League table. Links with Semenyo come as Mohamed Salah's future at Anfield beyond January remains up in the air, with Cody Gakpo's recent injury compounding the Reds' problems in wide attacking positions.
Arne Slot's team are level on points with sixth-placed fierce rivals Manchester United, who started the season hoping to clinch European qualification under manager Ruben Amorim's first full campaign in charge.
The Old Trafford side has also been touted as a potential suitor for Semenyo. Ince reckons whichever club can offer the Ghana international Champions League football next season will win the race for his signature.
"In terms of whether he'll move to Liverpool or Man Utd, it depends on which one will finish in the top four and have Champions League football to look forward to next season," Ince added.
"If I were in his position, I'd stay put for now at Bournemouth until the end of the season, and see which one of those teams finishes in the top four."
Meanwhile, Iraola has shed light on how Semenyo has dealt with the transfer speculation surrounding his future. "Obviously, when you hear your name every day in the news, you have to deal with these situations," Iraola stated.
"But I think he's committed and I haven't seen a lot of changes in him."
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