A high-stakes Manchester derby is underway in the transfer market, with both United and City launching direct talks to sign Bournemouth sensation Antoine Semenyo ahead of the January window.
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the two Premier League giants have made formal contact in the last 48 hours to position themselves for a deal that hinges on a time-sensitive release clause.
Romano reveals that Antoine Semenyo has a £65million exit clause in his contract, but it comes with a strict deadline. The clause is valid only "until around day 10" of January, giving suitors just over a week from the window's opening to trigger it before Bournemouth can effectively shut up shop or demand a higher fee.
A Race Against the Clock
The "day 10" deadline is a strategic move by the Cherries to ensure they are not left scrambling for a replacement late in the window. This urgency has forced the hands of both Manchester clubs, who have now "called this week" to push for the Ghanaian international.
Romano states that while other clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have tracked the winger since November, it is United and City who are currently "pushing" with direct discussions. The decision now rests squarely with the player regarding his future destination.
Why Manchester United are Pushing
For Ruben Amorim, Semenyo represents an ideal profile to reinvigorate a stalling attack. The 25-year-old has been in electric form this season, netting seven goals and providing three assists in 15 Premier League appearances.
With Joshua Zirkzee linked with a move away and other forwards like Amad Diallo potentially unavailable due to AFCON commitments, United are in desperate need of proven Premier League quality. Crucially, with Ghana failing to qualify for the upcoming AFCON, Semenyo would be available immediately—a massive tactical bonus for a manager looking to hit the ground running in the new year.
City’s Counter-Move
Across the city, Pep Guardiola is reportedly driving the interest from the Etihad. Manchester City view Semenyo as a player who can offer a more direct, goal-scoring threat from the wing compared to the likes of Jeremy Doku or Jack Grealish.
With persistent injury concerns surrounding Oscar Bobb and a heavy reliance on Erling Haaland for goals, City executives are "mulling over" the activation of the clause to shore up their title charge.
What Happens Next?
The ball is firmly in Semenyo’s court. With two of the world's biggest clubs knocking on the door and a clear price tag of £65m set in stone, a move feels inevitable. However, the deadline creates a unique pressure cooker environment.
If neither club triggers the clause by January 10th, Bournemouth will regain total control of the negotiation, likely inflating the price or blocking a move entirely. Expect a decisive acceleration in talks over the coming days as the window opens.