Bournemouth's top scorer is being targeted by big clubs, but not all of them necessarily need him.
Antoine Semenyo will be in high demand on the transfer market. The Bournemouth star is one of the Premier League's leading performers this season. And clubs such as Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United have been battling for his signature. But where does the winger fit best – and who actually needs him?
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Liverpool: the right destination
The Reds appear to be the best destination for Semenyo. All the drama surrounding Mohamed Salah's future would already be good reason for the deal to happen: replacing the Egyptian with an in-form player.
Despite playing on both flanks, Semenyo emerged in the Premier League in 2023-24 on the right and, that season, contributed to 10 goals. The following year, already alternating between both sides, he managed 16.
Now, the Ghanaian has been playing more on the left, with 11 goal contributions in 16 matchdays this season. And, more than replacing Salah, he could also contribute in all attacking positions – even as a pacey striker to attack the space in behind, should Isak and Ekitike be rested occasionally.
On the right, Salah has been replaced by the improvised utility man Szoboszlai, as well as occasional appearances from Frimpong, a natural wing-back. Semenyo would be a better option than both, combining strength, ball-carrying, pace and one-on-one creativity, as well as arriving in the box and finishing.
On the left, Gakpo has missed games through injury and Wirtz continues to blow hot and cold, while also switching between the left and the number 10 position. Semenyo would arrive as the established starter, or at least force Gakpo into a fierce battle for the starting spot.
The price tag of £65m (€76m), in theory, would not be a problem. Replacing Salah implies that the icon would be sold – which would make the purchase of another expensive player this season viable.
Chelsea, City and United: possible, perhaps without great need
Manchester City and United are also in the race to sign the forward – but perhaps have less need for him than rivals Liverpool. At least in their current situations.
Manchester United's 3-4-2-1 would accommodate Semenyo as one of the two attacking midfielders behind the striker, in the same way that the sharp winger Mbeumo slotted into the team. But Ruben Amorim has options for both positions.
Currently, Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are the virtually untouchable starters, while Mason Mount is a frequently used third option – despite offering different characteristics. Amad could also enter the rotation, but has been used more as a right wing-back.
Semenyo would be a great addition for the position and would deliver similar quality to Mbeumo: a strong, incisive forward, good in duels and who would fit well into the team's vertical style. Still, spending £65m on a position that already received two heavyweight reinforcements at the start of the season – and both are performing well – may not be necessary.
Manchester City, for their part, are another example of a good fit, but without great need. Pep Guardiola already has Doku, Savinho and Oscar Bobb for the wings – who are also joined by Bernardo Silva, Foden, Marmoush and Cherki, depending on the team configuration and opponent.
There are three classic wingers in the team, but only one delivering at a high level consistently. Savinho almost joined Tottenham, and Bobb, despite being promising, would still be below Semenyo in the pecking order should the Ghanaian arrive.
Semenyo could be a top-level option who would deliver the goals that City's wingers have not been providing, which has prompted complaints from Guardiola. But necessary? It does not seem to be the case.
The situation is similar at Chelsea. The Blues already have several young and promising wingers sharing playing time and, consequently, not developing fully.
Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto, Estevao, Jamie Gittens and Tyrique George are some of the wingers who rotate in Maresca's team. Cole Palmer, injured, and Facundo Buonanotte are midfielders who also play out wide. There is also Mudryk, suspended, and Sterling, frozen out, for the position.
Semenyo would most likely be a starter at Chelsea, but would not be completely necessary. And it would create another issue in a bloated squad that signs numerous youngsters but cannot develop them with playing time.
Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund: would make sense, but unlikely
Tottenham “flirted” with Semenyo for some time and the Bournemouth forward would be a good addition. Mohamed Kudus has fitted in well on the right, but all other attacking positions for Spurs have been struggling.
Kolo Muani has been playing on the left wing, but has not performed well, just like Richarlison leading the attack. The Frenchman could even become the number 9 to allow Semenyo to slot in on the left.
The injuries to Maddison, Solanke and Kulusevski have hindered Thomas Frank's side, who are in freefall in the Premier League. But even with everyone back, Semenyo would still be a great addition – but one that Spurs perhaps could not afford without selling first.
Outside the Premier League, several teams would benefit from having the Ghanaian in their squad, but few would be plausible. Borussia Dortmund, for example, are one of the teams that have been in need of game-changing wingers for some time.
In Dortmund's 3-4-2-1, similar to United's, Semenyo would be an incisive forward behind the striker. Beier stopped being a number 9 and became a good second striker for that position, but is still behind Adeyemi and Brandt in the pecking order – despite the former not having a great season.
Semenyo would be a starter at Dortmund, but the Germans would hardly fork out a fee larger than what they sold Erling Haaland to Manchester City for. And it is not in the club's history to make big signings of this magnitude.
This article was originally published on Trivela.
