Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo has a £65 million release clause that becomes active in January, The Athletic's David Ornstein reports. The 25-year-old Ghana international is attracting strong interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham.
The clause is only active for a specific period early in the January window. If not triggered then, it will become even cheaper in the summer. Bournemouth desperately wants to keep their winger but could be powerless to prevent his departure if a club meets the release clause amount.
Semenyo has delivered six goals and three assists in 11 Premier League appearances this season. His strong form has helped Bournemouth climb to ninth in the table, just one point off a Champions League qualifying spot.
Bournemouth's player trading model
Bournemouth general manager Tim Bezbatchenko has made the club's stance on transfers clear. «When a club like Liverpool, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain come in, who are we to say: 'No, you can't fulfil your dream'?» he told Business of Sport.
The club sees high-profile departures as part of their recruitment strategy. Bezbatchenko explained that prospective players are told there is a pathway for them to realize their potential. «What is their pathway? Will you consider a sale of the player if someone comes knocking on the door?» he said.
Bournemouth has recently sold Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi for close to £150 million combined. Dango Ouattara left for Brentford for around £40 million. The club uses these sales to fund new signings and sustain their upward trajectory.
Semenyo's current position
Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam provided an update on the player's stance last week. «Antoine Semenyo has not asked to leave Bournemouth,» he wrote on X. «He's fully focused on performing for the team.»
This represents a continuation of Semenyo's commitment expressed in July. «This is my safe place. I felt wanted,» he told Sky Sports then. «We've got a good group here and we're wanting to achieve top things this year. So this is the best place to be right now.»
A January departure would mark a major U-turn from those statements. However, renewed interest from England's top clubs could test that loyalty as the window approaches.
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes previously worked at Bournemouth when Semenyo joined from Bristol City for around £10 million in January 2023. Hughes has direct knowledge of the player's contract details and the club's operations.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
