The football market was taken aback Monday night with the revelation of Antoine Semenyo’s staggering £65 million release clause.

Bournemouth’s star player is enjoying an exceptional season, boasting six goals and three assists across just 12 matches so far.

This impressive performance comes on the heels of a successful 2024-25 season for the Ghanaian forward, where he contributed to 20 goals, playing a pivotal role in Bournemouth’s commendable ninth-place finish in the Premier League under manager Andoni Iraola.

Fresh details of Semenyo’s new contract emerged, indicating the 25-year-old has a £65 million release clause, which becomes active during the first two weeks of January.

This news is undoubtedly capturing the attention of top English clubs. Daily Mail Sport analysts have evaluated potential suitors for Semenyo and explored the best fit for his talents.

Antoine Semenyo has a reported £65million release clause which could be triggered in January

The Cherries forward is in the best form of his life and has attracted suitors such as Man United

Tottenham – Matt Barlow

Semenyo would be an ideal addition for Tottenham Hotspur. Given his current form, most Premier League teams could incorporate him into their lineup. His strength and speed make him the type of player that Thomas Frank would admire.

He is versatile and most coaches like a player who can operate in different positions across the front line. I can see Semenyo on the Spurs left, his pace and power a counterweight to his Ghana teammate Mohammed Kudus on the right. 

Neither Mathys Tel nor Wilson Odobert have nailed that position down since Son Heung-min left for LA. Xavi Simons looks more natural in the centre and Brennan Johnson is so much more of a goal threat from the right. Richarlison can play there but is not a wide man. 

The issue at Spurs though would be that having invested a combined £70million in Odobert and Tel, and spent £52m on Simons, would they spend more again on Semenyo who would compete for the same roles in the team and block their progress?

I doubt it unless they think they have buyers for some of the wide players. I also suspect if they are in a genuine transfer contest with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United then Spurs will not win.  

They are not fighting for the biggest prizes like Liverpool. And they do not have top earners in the same wage bracket as either Liverpool or United. 

Unless we are about the witness a radical change in strategy in what will be the first transfer window without Daniel Levy at the controls. 

Semenyo could slot into Tottenham’s system on the left-hand side under boss Thomas Frank

He would be reunited with his Ghana team-mate Mohammed Kudus should Spurs come calling

Liverpool – Lewis Steele

Liverpool have just spent £446million in the summer so another shiny forward would invite criticism from rivals.

Fixing their problems with more money is not the model of this club. But that is where any cons of this deal end. Semenyo is a sensational footballer, a bit of a throwback with his one-versus-one ability and someone who can add goals and assists.

He is best off the left wing and it is fair to say Cody Gakpo is inconsistent, so the Bournemouth star would be an upgrade or at the very least a solid bit of competition.

Liverpool did turn down potential moves for left wingers in the summer, such as Bradley Barcola and Rodrygo, due to the emergence of youngster Rio Ngumoha.

So that is something to keep in mind but overall this would be a top-class signing, especially noting how Mohamed Salah is a) not getting any younger and b) in a patchy run of form. 

Semenyo could be an upgrade or competition for Cody Gakpo in Arne Slot’s Liverpool side

The Reds spent £446million in the summer, though, and a deal may invite criticism from rivals

Manchester United – Nathan Salt

News of Antoine Semenyo’s availability at £65million certainly caused intrigue among Manchester United fans.

There’s a couple of factors at play here. One, is he a good player? Obviously, yes. Second, would he actually fit in? This one is more complicated.

United spent big on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to be their No 10s for years to come, while Mason Mount is a firm favourite of Ruben Amorim’s.

That raises the prospect that you could deploy Semenyo at left wing-back in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, something I imagine would be far less appealing to the player amid an expected bidding war.

United desperately need to pool their funds into central midfield having already fixed the goalkeeper, centre back, No 10 and striker positions. Semenyo, while a great player, is a piece of the puzzle United could do without.

Semenyo was a target of United’s in the summer and Ruben Amorim may be interested again

The Cherries star has consistently impressed against United whenever he has faced them