Inside the Manchester United and Man City interest in Antoine Semenyo

Man United and Manchester City are interested in signing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo in January.

Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo is likely to be the talk of the January transfer window with the Premier League's top clubs all vying for his signature next month. On New Year's Day, a release clause of £65m will go live for a limited time and both Manchester United and Manchester City are weighing up activating it.

Semenyo has scored eight goals and bagged three assists this season and while he could be available in the summer, no team looks willing to take this risk. Reports suggest City are Semenyo's preferred destination but United are not thought to be out of the running.

The 25-year-old is the latest star player ready to make a move to a top club but exactly who that will be remains to be seen. So with Semenyo's future firmly in the balance, MEN Sport has asked United and City writers Tyrone Marshall and Simon Bajkowski for the state of play at the Manchester clubs surrounding Semenyo and transfers.

United

Can they afford it?

Yes. United’s financial situation is much improved from a year ago and they are now more comfortable with their compliance with Profit and Sustainability rules, which are coming to an end anyway. They spent more than expected in the summer and much of it was on what United saw as favourable payment terms, so they can make this deal happen, especially as it was a move they had planned for the summer anyway.

Would he want to go to United ahead of other Premier League clubs in the Champions League?

United feel they are in with a chance so the indications are he is open to it. They aren’t making smooth progress towards qualifying next season either but you feel that it is there for them if they can put the pedal down. There is still an attraction to playing for this club, despite what has happened in the last few years.

Does he fit into Ruben Amorim's rigid system as another 10 or wing-back?

I think he fits in as both and that will be a big attraction to United. If everyone is fit and available, I would expect him to get in the team as a left wing-back, with Amad on the right and Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as the No.10s.

That would give United significant firepower and a much more attacking outlook. But Semenyo can play on both flanks and through the middle and the fact he could cover so many of those positions in Amorim’s system makes him doubly attractive.

Who is he an upgrade on?

As a left wing-back, he is an upgrade on everyone. Diogo Dalot has done a respectable job there and Patrick Dorgu looked better at Villa Park, but it is still a problem position. Semenyo could fill it. And as an option as another No.10 he is clearly better than Joshua Zirkzee as well. He would be a major upgrade at left wing-back and as the third or fourth No.10.

City

Where does Semenyo fit among all the attacking options?

Semenyo is a wide option in a team that is not flush with them. Pep Guardiola has moved away from using his wingers really this season, even moving Jeremy Doku inside. Semenyo can play on either flank and so could give City extra options of playing but at the same time he will also be expected to add extra dimensions to his game.

Who is he an upgrade on?

In terms of the current squad, he would definitely move ahead of Oscar Bobb. The Norwegian hasn't recovered from the leg fracture that robbed him of a breakthrough at the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign, so is looking vulnerable in the January window. Semenyo would also be expected to challenge with Savinho - who he has outperformed this season with Bournemouth - and Doku for a place in the team.

What does Guardiola like in Semenyo that's similar to past successful City players?

More than anything with a January signing, you want somebody who can fit straight into the team. Semenyo is a bit different in the sense he's only moving in January because of opportunity for him and Bournemouth, but the fact he is Premier League proven is perfect for a manager looking to make sure he has a squad capable of going far in all competitions.

Semenyo has shown he's versatile and can play in different systems so there is plenty to like.