With the January transfer window looming, the Manchester United hierarchy is considering bolstering Ruben Amorim’s squad mid-season.
Naturally, a speculative list of players has already surfaced. However, one man who could prove to be a fantastic addition is Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.
As per Monday’s report from David Ornstein, the Cherries have reluctantly accepted they might struggle to prevent the forward from leaving the club in the winter.
Details have since emerged that a limited-time release clause worth £65 million is in the attacker’s contract, with that figure set to drop even further in the summer.
Semenyo was a name considered by both United and Tottenham last summer before the Ghanaian ended up penning a new deal. Inevitably, the Red Devils opted to bring in Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha from Brentford and Wolves, respectively.
However, according to Sunday Times journalist Duncan Castles, United have “aggressively targeted” the 25-year-old since March this year, and Amorim allegedly even had dinner with the player to gauge his character.
Versatility could prove to be a key aspect in Antoine Semenyo pursuit
Semenyo has continued his electric form at the Vitality Stadium, with six goals and three assists this season, including an opening-day brace against Liverpool at Anfield.
He is a very adaptable player, excellent with both feet, and lightning-quick. These characteristics are sure to appeal to Amorim, who could use the star in a variety of positions.
With Amad set to miss several games due to his AFCON commitments with the Ivory Coast, the Portuguese tactician may contemplate trialling Semenyo in one of the wing-back roles.
Mbeumo will also be on international duty with Cameroon, so a spot would naturally open up in one of the attacking positions.
Additionally, Benjamin Sesko is out for up to a month with a knee injury sustained against Spurs, so it remains unclear how quickly he will recover.
Semenyo could play as something of a focal point at times, too, as he has done in the past, especially with Joshua Zirkzee’s future in M16 very much up in the air.
We are not considering sticking square pegs in round holes; this is utilising somewhat of an enigma to the fullest of his abilities.
Star quality could elevate Manchester United to the next level
A signing of Semenyo’s quality would undeniably add to the already impressive array of attacking riches at Old Trafford, wherever you fit him into the team.
The London-born star has previously made clear his desire to play for a club competing in Europe, and he will not be short of suitors, with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City all tracking his progress alongside United.
It goes without saying that a player of this calibre would help the 20-time champions return to the top of English football, with his speed and flair ideally suited to the club’s traditional style of play.
Furthermore, his profile would tie in with Ineos’ recent transfer model of recruiting young, hungry Premier League-proven players who can ‘plug-in and play’ immediately.
Long-term, you could easily see marauding in the left-wing back role, whilst also providing another versatile attacking option anywhere across the forward line, as well as giving ample cover for the opposite flank.
There is no doubt that acquiring the Bournemouth man mid-season would be exciting, and it could also prove to be the difference in United returning to European football.
Remember, Sir Alex Ferguson had a tried-and-tested strategy of signing the best players in the division when on top, partly to ensure quick integration while also weakening rivals.
The club has adopted this method again recently with the successful captures of both Cunha and Mbeumo, so targeting Semenyo would provide a similar scenario.
In my eyes, for a potential fee of just £65m, it is the definition of a risk worth taking.
Would you be happy to see Manchester United go all in for Antoine Semenyo in January? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com
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