Manchester United are reportedly preparing to "fast-track" a blockbuster move for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo in January, but the Red Devils must satisfy two significant conditions before they can trigger his £65 million release clause.
The 25-year-old winger has become one of the most coveted properties in the Premier League, a status he cemented on Monday night by scoring in the chaotic 4-4 draw against United at Old Trafford. According to a new report from Football365, United’s hierarchy have seen enough and are willing to accelerate their plans to beat Liverpool and Tottenham to his signature.
The Clock is Ticking
The urgency of the deal is driven by a specific contract stipulation. Semenyo’s £65 million release clause is time-sensitive and is understood to expire around January 15. After this date, Bournemouth will be free to dictate a higher price or block a move entirely until the summer. Ruben Amorim is reportedly a huge admirer of the Ghanaian’s explosive power and versatility, viewing him as a player who can operate as an inside forward or even a dynamic wing-back in his 3-4-2-1 system.
Condition 1: The Zirkzee Sacrifice
However, the deal is far from straightforward. The first condition for any move is a significant player exit to balance the books and free up squad space. The report identifies Joshua Zirkzee as the most likely casualty.
The Dutch forward, who has struggled for consistency since his arrival, is reportedly the subject of strong interest from AS Roma. The Serie A side are keen on a loan deal with an obligation to buy—a structure similar to the one that saw Rasmus Hojlund leave Atalanta. United chiefs believe offloading Zirkzee is essential to finance the Semenyo bid without breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Condition 2: The Midfield Dilemma
The second condition complicates matters further: United must ensure that signing Semenyo does not compromise their ability to sign a defensive midfielder. A holding player remains the "absolute priority" for Dan Ashworth and the recruitment team this winter.
Investing £65 million in an attacker could leave the budget dangerously thin for the engine room reinforcements Amorim desperately craves. This financial juggling act has led to speculation that captain Bruno Fernandes could also be sacrificed. Reports suggest the Portuguese magnifico could be available for a fee in the region of £70 million, with Saudi Pro League clubs still monitoring his situation closely.
Amorim's "Special" Target
Speaking after the draw on Monday, Amorim was tight-lipped but acknowledged the quality of the opposition. Privately, however, sources suggest he views Semenyo as a "special" talent capable of injecting the directness that United’s attack has often lacked. With Antony likely to depart and Marcus Rashford’s future perpetually debated, Semenyo represents the profile of hungry, Premier League-proven talent that INEOS wants to build around.
What Happens Next?
United are effectively in a race against time. They have less than four weeks before Semenyo’s clause expires. If they can finalise Zirkzee’s departure to Rome in the opening days of January, expect a formal bid to land on Bournemouth’s desk immediately. If not, they risk losing their man to Liverpool, who are viewing him as the heir to Mohamed Salah.