Bournemouth are braced for Antoine Semenyo to leave the club in January amid interest from Liverpool and Man City, according to reports.
Semenyo was the subject of swirling transfer rumours in the summer, but those were quashed when he agreed a new five-year deal with the Cherries in July.
Bournemouth’s decision to tie him down to a new deal has already paid dividends. The Cherries have started the campaign well, thanks in part to the 25-year-old’s contribution of six goals and three assists.
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His time on the south coast could be approaching its end, though.
According to a report from The Athletic, the Ghanaian’s new deal features a release clause worth just £65million, which will come into effect in January and open the door for suitors to lodge bids.
The clause must be activated by a certain date, though, as Bournemouth hope to leave themselves time to find a replacement.
The Cherries hope to keep him at the Vitality Stadium through the end of the campaign, but reportedly acknowledge they may be ‘powerless’ to prevent his departure.
Tottenham considered a move for Semenyo in the summer and reportedly enquired as to his availability, but it is not yet clear whether they would renew their interest in January.
As Mohammed Kudus has made a positive impression at Spurs since arriving from West Ham and Dejan Kulusevski is set to return from injury in the coming weeks, Thomas Frank may not be interested in adding a new forward.
Liverpool, against whom Semenyo scored a brace in the first match of the Premier League season, and Man City are both thought to be interested in bringing him on board too.
Semenyo picked up an ankle injury while representing Ghana during the international break and left the camp early. He has returned to Bournemouth for further assessment ahead of their Premier League meeting with West Ham on Saturday.
