Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

Antoine Semenyo rejected big-money rival bid as Man Utd move emerges, says David Ornstein

Originally posted on HITC | By Dan Coombs | Last updated Dec 22, 2025 8:40 AM ET

Antoine Semenyo remains a target for Manchester United, who are still firmly interested in the Bournemouth attacker.

Semenyo found the net again over the weekend, continuing to show why some of the Premier League’s top sides have their eyes on him.

His recent goal against United added to a season tally that now stands at eight goals and three assists from just 16 matches.

United’s interest comes as no surprise, with Semenyo available in January thanks to a £65 million release clause written into his contract.

The Red Devils expressed their interest in the Ghanaian forward at the end of last week, according to a report from Fabrizio Romano.

Semenyo is not just limited to playing up front. United value his versatility across attack and even as a wing-back, fitting nicely into different tactical setups. Ruben Amorim has also gone on record expressing admiration for the player.

The competition for Semenyo appears to be narrowing down to Manchester City, setting up what could be a direct battle between the two clubs for his signature.

Antoine Semenyo turns down Spurs

Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images

David Ornstein says the situation is moving quickly, telling NBC Sports: “I would suspect this resolved sooner rather than later.”

He added that Semenyo has already turned down interest from Tottenham Hotspur and is now weighing up a decision between Manchester City and United.

Ornstein explained: “Tottenham Hotspur were very keen, and I’m led to believe we’re prepared to pay a significant salary to Antoine Semenyo, but he politely is focusing on other options, namely, it seems City or United, and he will have to make a decision around that.”

While City are firmly in the title race, United might offer more stability down the line, given Pep Guardiola’s uncertain future.

This could play into United’s hands, especially with the promise of immediate playing time in their starting line-up.

The English journalist added: “They are rebuilding, and they have pull in their own right.”

Alexander Isak’s injury might impact Liverpool’s approach

Liverpool had shown interest in Semenyo back in November, but have not pursued it much since then.

With Alexander Isak now facing a lengthy spell out due to injury, Ornstein suggested that this situation might prompt a change in Liverpool’s plans.

He noted: “Liverpool is said to have had great admiration for him. They haven’t moved to the same extent so far, to my knowledge.

“But let’s see if anything changes around the Alexander Isak injury, because we’ve just broken the news that Liverpool fear that it is a significant injury to his lower left leg.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: