Ruben Amorim hints at January transfer as Liverpool faces Antoine Semenyo battle

It's believed Liverpool is interested in Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo alongside Manchester United and Manchester City, with the Ghana international having a release clause in January

Ruben Amorim has given an update that could impact Liverpool's transfer plans(Image: Getty Images)

Ruben Amorim has suggested that Manchester United might be active in the January transfer window, but not necessarily to fill the gaps left by Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui.

Instead, the Portuguese manager is keen on bringing in players who represent "the future" of the club. The United boss welcomed several new signings over the summer, including Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko.

The top brass at Old Trafford still have ambitions to sign a new midfielder after missing out on Carlos Baleba in the summer, with Brighton's star player, along with Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, being potential targets for the Premier League team.

Antoine Semenyo has also found himself at the center of speculation. The Bournemouth hotshot has a £65 million ($86.4 million) release clause next month, and it appears the Red Devils will have to fend off competition from Manchester City and Liverpool.

Amorim met with Semenyo in London at the end of last season, and it remains to be seen whether this could give United an advantage. There are even whispers that the Ghana international is being considered for a wing-back role.

When quizzed about whether United have a budget for January signings, Amorim didn't dismiss the possibility of new arrivals in 2026. However, the 40-year-old is only interested in players who can contribute to his team over the long haul.

Antoine Semenyo in Bournemouth training(Image: Getty Images)

We'll see," Amorim said. "The only thing we know is that we only would try to bring players that we think are going to be the future.

"It's not going to be to save something in this moment, to cope with the losses of three players for AFCON.

"It’s not going to be like that, even if we try to bring one player, maybe it's not the position that we need more.

"We will try to bring now – and in the end of the season – players that are perfect for our future. I don't know what is going to happen, but it's possible that we can do something."

Amorim also expressed his desire for Kobbie Mainoo to remain and compete for his place at United. The midfielder has yet to start a Premier League match this season, and rumors of a departure have been circulating.

"Kobbie needs to fight for his job. I think that it's not a bad thing to be on the bench of Manchester United when you are 20 years old," Amorim said.

"I remember (Cristiano) Ronaldo was on the bench, (Wayne) Rooney was on the bench sometimes. (Juan Sebastian) Veron was not playing.

"I remember all the history of Manchester United and (there is) nobody this didn't fall (to), so let's continue in trying to avoid the nonsense and the noise."