Liverpool are reportedly leading the race to sign AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo next summer following revelations about a release clause in his contract.
Liverpool’s interest in Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, first reported earlier this year, has resurfaced following the striker’s prolific start to the 2025/26 campaign.
The 25-year-old Ghana international, who scored 11 goals last season, committed his future to the south coast club with a new five-year deal over the summer, a contract understood to include a release clause that could make him available for a set fee. The precise terms of that clause remain undisclosed,
Semenyo has hit the ground running, scoring six goals and registering three assists in just seven appearances so far this season. Notably, he found the net twice against Liverpool in a 4-2 win for the Reds on the opening weekend, sparking renewed speculation over his future and underscoring the Premier League interest he continues to attract.
According to talkSPORT, Bournemouth agreed to the release clause as a means to secure Semenyo on a longer-term contract after his standout performances last term. Arsenal, who were previously linked with the London born winger, have largely cooled their interest following a summer of reinforcements including Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, and Viktor Gyokeres.
Tottenham Hotspur were mentioned in transfer chatter as well, though their acquisition of Semenyo’s Ghana teammate Mohammed Kudus appears to have dampened speculation.
Manchester United remain linked, despite their £200 million summer spend on attacking reinforcements, while Liverpool’s front-line recruitment saw Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, and Alexander Isak join Anfield. However, the departures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez may yet leave room for Semenyo in Arne Slot plans.
The forward has also been busy on international duty, starting for Ghana in World Cup qualifying victories over the Central African Republic and Comoros.
The wins secured top spot in their group and a place at next summer’s tournament in North America, a remarkable turnaround from Ghana’s disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign, where they failed to register a single win.
Reflecting on his development at Bournemouth, Semenyo said at the time of signing his new deal: “I’ve grown so much at the club, both on and off the pitch, and I’m really happy to have signed ahead of returning for pre-season.”
Reflecting on facing Liverpool’s defence, Semenyo singled out Virgil van Dijk as the toughest opponent he has encountered:
“Hardest defender I’d say Virgil van Dijk. That year that I signed we beat them 2-0 [1-0] and I came on in that game. I remember running in behind and all I can hear is that man’s footsteps. Dum, dum dum, chasing me. All I’m thinking is ‘this guy’s fast! He’s six foot four, six foot five and he is fast! Like, he’s got presence, you can hear him coming. I’m trying to focus and get my shot across and he puts me off completely. His aura just puts me off. I dragged the ball wide and I’m thinking ‘ah man.’ But it’s tough.”
Reports suggest that Liverpool officials regarded him as an “ideal signing” during the summer transfer window, but the Reds’ priorities shifted toward strengthening centrally, culminating in a combined £204 million spend on Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. Sources indicate that Bournemouth were determined not to part with all of their key assets in one window, with defenders Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, and Ilya Zabarnyi, as well as attacker Dango Ouattara, moving elsewhere.
Semenyo, however, committed to the club until 2030 while retaining a pathway to move for the right offer. Should a Premier League heavyweight reignite their interest, any transfer would almost certainly shatter Bournemouth’s club record.
For now, Semenyo continues to impress on the pitch, keeping the conversation about his potential big money move very much alive.
