Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd Hold Talks To Sign ‘World-Class’ Star, INEOS ‘Pushing’ For Deal

According to a report by GIVEMESPORT on Saturday, December 20, 2025, Manchester United have opened direct discussions over a potential January move for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, according to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils are not alone in their interest, with rivals Manchester City also making contact this week about the 25-year-old, who is widely expected to leave the south coast during the winter transfer window.

Semenyo has a £65 million release clause that is understood to be valid for roughly the first ten days of January, and he is yet to settle on his next destination.

The Ghana international, described as ‘world-class’, has enjoyed an outstanding Premier League campaign so far, scoring seven goals and registering three assists in 15 outings, form that has attracted attention from some of the league’s biggest clubs.

Romano, posting on X, confirmed that both United and City are actively ‘pushing’ to secure Semenyo’s signature in January, with the two clubs holding direct talks in recent days.

If United were to land the Bournemouth attacker, it would mark yet another significant addition to their forward line in a short space of time, following the summer arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo.

However, squad availability could influence United’s thinking.

Mbeumo is expected to be absent for close to a month as he represents Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Sesko has only just returned after spending around a month sidelined with injury, making his comeback in Monday’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.

With Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko viewed as the established first-choice front three, Semenyo’s role at Old Trafford could be slightly unconventional.

There has been speculation that the Ghanaian could be deployed as a wing-back, with United reportedly keen to add a more attack-minded option on the left side.

Amad Diallo has been heavily relied upon on the right flank this season, while Diogo Dalot has filled in on the opposite side in recent matches.

January signing Patrick Dorgu, who began the campaign as the starting left wing-back, has found minutes hard to come by and was publicly criticised by Ruben Amorim last month.

Elsewhere, United are not expected to sanction a January departure for Kobbie Mainoo, despite the midfielder’s difficulty in securing regular game time under Amorim this season.

Reports suggest that only an ‘exceptional offer’ would prompt a rethink, as the head coach still considers the 20-year-old an important part of his long-term plans.

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