Liverpool’s interest in Semenyo is well documented, but the Bournemouth forward is understood to have chosen City as his next club, which will take advantage of his release clause in January.
But Sunday evening, the Mail‘s Jack Gaughan caused a domino effect when he reported that Bournemouth expect Liverpool to ’emerge as serious candidates’ to trigger his £65m release clause.
He claims there has been ‘no inclination’ at the club to challenge City, but ‘suggestions on the south coast’ are that Richard Hughes is ‘now’ considering a move.
Antoine Semenyo transfer links: A quick look
• City leadership: Men’s city remain favorites to trigger Semenyo’s £65m clause, with personal terms expected to be finalized on Monday.
• Liverpool links: Reports suggest Richard Hughes are considering a late move, although reliable sources insist Liverpool have no plans for January.
• Clause term: The release clause is active from January 1 to 10with Bournemouth hoping to keep him until January 7.
The Telegraph‘s Mike McGrath then followed up, reporting that Bournemouth are “prepared for a late twist” while Liverpool are “waiting in the wings.”
BBC Sports, The times And Air sports They all reiterate Liverpool’s interest in the 25-year-old, but all widely acknowledge that City are the only ones who have had formal club-to-club contact.
Journalists Ben Jacobs And Alex Krookwho meanwhile reported reliably over the summer, both emphasize that Liverpool have no plans to sign Semenyo in January.
Liverpool are therefore not expected to ‘hijack’ City’s deal before his release clause kicks in on January 1, which is valid until January 10.
Man City will hold a meeting with its representatives in Manchester on Monday to agree personal terms on a long-term contract, which is now widely regarded as a formality.
Giving meaning to Liverpool’s ‘new’ ties with Semenyo
From the outside, reports of a late Liverpool ‘hijacking’ attempt appear to be an attempt by Bournemouth to pressure City into a deal structure that suits them best.
Semenyo’s release clause consists of an initial fee of £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons, and is active for the first ten days of the period.
According to the TimesBournemouth would prefer Semenyo for their league matches against Chelsea (January 3) and Arsenal (January 7) before agreeing to let him go.
There could be a scenario where City would disagree, opening the door for Liverpool, or another interested candidate, to take advantage by accepting a deal that would be formalized after those games.
However, now that the player has opted for City and his future is quickly over, it appears at this stage that he is on his way to Etihad.
Have your say
Should Liverpool make a late attempt to stop Antoine Semenyo from joining Man City?
Could the £65million Bournemouth man, who has scored nine goals already this season, be a better fit for Slot in the long term than our current options?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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