Manchester United handed unexpected £65 million January transfer opportunity
Man Utd might have to change their transfer plans after a huge development this week.
Manchester United are one of the sides alert to the news that Bournemouth would be powerless to stop the sale of Antoine Semenyo in the January transfer window.
United were one of several clubs interested in a move for Semenyo in the summer, before he signed a new five-year deal at the club on 1 July. That contract renewal all but ended any hope of a summer transfer, though it included a clause that could see him on the move early next year.
Manchester World understand Semenyo has a £65 million release clause in his current contract that can only be activated in the first two weeks of the January window, so that Bournemouth have enough time to potentially replace him. It could be the best chance United have ever had to sign the Ghana international and has given them an unexpected opportunity in the January window.
United have Semenyo decision to make
Manchester United have made it their priority to strengthen in midfield next year, with at least two additions expected in the key position. There is an appreciation top targets will not be available until the end of the season and United do not plan to sign someone just for the sake of it during the January transfer window.
The only way that will change is if there are any injuries to those already at the club, or if an unmissable market opportunity should arise. That appears to be the case with Bournemouth ace Antoine Semenyo.
United are also interested in adding another wing-back, a centre-back and another forward to their squad next year. A goalkeeper could also be considered, depending on various factors. Semenyo has been of long-term interest to United and has impressed this season with six goals and three assists in just 11 appearances.
His release clause is also very attractive. The £65 million fee is in the same region of the summer transfers for Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko and appears to be fair value for a player of his huge quality. The question is whether United really need another versatile forward, or whether that money would be better invested in their midfield next summer instead.
Semenyo is a versatile forward who would appear better-suited to one of the attacking midfield roles under Ruben Amorim, although there is an argument he could be moulded into a wing-back, just as Amad Diallo has been this season.
'Priority target', free agent: 11 midfielders Manchester United could sign next summer