Antoine Semenyo could dominate January transfer headlines

Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has become one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League, following a string of impressive performances for the south coast club. Reports confirm that Semenyo’s contract includes a £65 million ($85.4 million) release clause, which will be active during the January transfer window.

The Ghana international has enjoyed an outstanding start to the 2025–26 season, netting six goals in 11 league appearances. Only Erling Haaland, with 14 goals, and Igor Thiago, with eight, have scored more in the competition so far.

Semenyo previously turned down moves to major clubs such as Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United during the summer. Instead, he committed his future to Bournemouth by signing a new five-year deal, which incorporated the release clause as a central feature.

The clause allows interested teams to sign Semenyo for £65 million, a figure that, while substantial, is within reach of Europe’s top clubs given recent spending patterns. Bournemouth has some flexibility to manage the timing of the transfer, allowing them to secure a replacement for the forward.

General manager Tim Bezbatchenko recently acknowledged that the club would not stand in the way of Semenyo pursuing an opportunity at a larger club, stating, “who are we to say, ‘No, you can’t go, you can’t fulfill your dream.’”

Timing of a potential move

Despite the interest, Semenyo’s transfer may not occur immediately. The forward could wait until the summer of 2026, when his release clause is expected to become active again, potentially at a reduced fee.

January deals often come at a premium due to the short window and the mid-season timing, which could encourage clubs to delay their pursuit to avoid overpaying. However, given the attention Semenyo attracted in the previous transfer window, teams may opt to act swiftly to secure him before competition intensifies.

Bournemouth’s current league form could influence the decision. After a strong start, including three assists in the first seven games, the Cherries have fallen to ninth place following a few poor results.

The versatility of Semenyo—capable of playing on either wing or centrally—adds to his appeal for potential suitors, making him a prime target for clubs seeking reinforcement during the window.

Future prospects and impact

Semenyo has publicly stated he is “enjoying every moment” at Bournemouth, suggesting satisfaction with his current environment. Nevertheless, the mounting interest in his services indicates that a significant move may be on the horizon.

Should the transfer materialize, Bournemouth could benefit from a major financial return similar to the sale of Dominic Solanke to Tottenham Hotspur, which could eventually reach £65 million.

The January window presents both risk and opportunity: teams may pay a premium to acquire Semenyo immediately, while Bournemouth could either retain their star forward for the rest of the season or cash in on a lucrative deal mid-season.