Manchester City have reportedly taken a significant stride in the race to sign Bournemouth sensation Antoine Semenyo, with reputable journalist Alex Crook revealing that the Premier League champions have now held "direct talks" with the winger.
The update, delivered via social media on Friday morning, suggests the battle for the 25-year-old is reaching a fever pitch. According to Crook, a transfer in the upcoming January window is now considered "very likely," marking a shift from earlier expectations that the forward might wait until the summer.
City Make Their Move
While Liverpool and Manchester United have dominated the headlines regarding Semenyo in recent weeks, Manchester City have been working quietly in the background. The revelation of "direct talks" indicates that Pep Guardiola's side has moved beyond mere scouting and is actively negotiating personal terms or the project pitch with the player's camp.
City’s interest is tactically fascinating. Guardiola has increasingly favoured direct, one-vs-one specialists on the flanks in recent seasons—typified by the signing of Jeremy Doku. Semenyo, with his ability to receive the ball with his back to goal, spin, and drive aggressively at defences, fits this "chaos creator" profile perfectly. With doubts persisting over the consistency of Jack Grealish and the potential departure of Bernardo Silva in 2026, City appear keen to lock down the Premier League's most explosive breakout star before their rivals can react.
Spurs "Outsiders" as Big Three Circle
Crucially, Crook’s update seemingly rules one major contender out of the running. Tottenham Hotspur, who were heavily linked with the Ghanaian in the summer of 2025, are now viewed as "outsiders" at this stage. This aligns with recent reports suggesting Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank are prioritising defensive reinforcements, specifically a goalkeeper to replace Guglielmo Vicario.
This leaves a three-way heavyweight battle between City, Liverpool, and Manchester United. United recently saw their odds surge amid reports of a "fast-tracked" deal, while Liverpool view Semenyo as the natural heir to Mohamed Salah. However, the financial might of the Etihad club—and the allure of joining the perennial champions—could prove decisive now that formal dialogue has opened.
The £65m Release Clause Factor
The urgency mentioned by Crook—stating the race is "hotting up"—is almost certainly driven by the player's contract situation. As previously reported, Semenyo has a £65 million release clause that is only active for the first two weeks of January. Once that window closes around January 10-15, Bournemouth can effectively name their price.
By engaging in direct talks now, City are positioning themselves to trigger that clause the moment the window opens on January 1. It is a strategy they have used effectively in the past: move fast, agree personal terms early, and remove the selling club’s negotiating power by paying the release fee upfront.
Tactical Evolution at the Etihad
Should Semenyo choose the sky blue of Manchester, it would give Guardiola a terrifying array of attacking options. The prospect of Semenyo rotating with Phil Foden and Savinho offers a blend of power and technical grace that few teams in Europe could match. Furthermore, his versatility—he can play across the front three—makes him an ideal squad player for a team chasing trophies on four fronts.
What Happens Next?
With "direct talks" now confirmed, the ball is in the court of Liverpool and United. If they intend to stop City from securing yet another premier talent, they must match that level of engagement immediately. Expect Arne Slot and Ruben Amorim to press their respective boards for funds this weekend, because if City have a clear run at Semenyo, the deal could be wrapped up before the New Year bells even ring.