Antoine Semenyo release clause revealed as Liverpool consider move for in-form Bournemouth winger

Semenyo's start to the new campaign has caught the eye of several top clubs, including the current champions. Liverpool parted with star left-winger Luis Diaz in the summer before adding Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak to their ranks, but may dip back into the transfer market between now and the start of next season to recruit a top-class wide player. Alongside Liverpool's interest, Chelsea and Tottenham have been tipped to move for the Ghana international, who has nine goal contributions in eight games so far this term. 

During the recent window, clubs were quoted £70million (€80m) to sign the wide man, before he opted to sign a five-year extension on the South Coast. However, reports have revealed that his new deal came at a cost to Bournemouth. A release clause is believed to have been inserted into the fine print, meaning there will likely be a tug-of-war for his signature as early as January.

Although it is now public knowledge that Semenyo's contract includes a release clause, Bournemouth have been reluctant to reveal the exact figure. It is expected to be close to the £70m the club were demanding in the summer, but the secrecy means there is nothing stopping clubs placing a bid that exceeds that number. 

The scenario follows a similar path to Morgan Gibbs-White's failed move to Tottenham earlier in the year. The midfielder had a clause of just over £60m, but it was confidential, despite Spurs somehow activating it. In the end, Gibbs-White committed his future to Nottingham Forest, providing the north London club with a valuable lesson that others will also take note of if they are considering a move for the 25-year-old. 

As a result of Semenyo's six goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, Bournemouth sit fourth in the table, just two points away from leaders Arsenal. Despite losing their entire backline during the summer, the Cherries have rallied and look as fierce as ever under Andoni Iraola. Semenyo believes the club's start has set the bar high for the rest of the season. 

He said: "We’ve been riding high for a little bit. I think the bar has been set quite high. On the whole it’s been a good start to the season, definitely. We want to be humble and not get too big-headed; we take it easy game by game. But we’re pleased with our start and the players are giving everything to keep it going and to continue it."

Bournemouth have already beaten Tottenham this season and gave champions Liverpool a tough test at Anfield on opening night. Those results have been followed up with wins against Brighton, Fulham and Wolves, plus draws to Leeds and Newcastle. It is tough to paint a clear picture of what the table might look like in May, but so far Bournemouth are proving they can compete with any team in the division.

There has been no clarity on when Semenyo's release clause comes into effect. Some clubs structure their deals with players so that deals can only be triggered in the summer, to avoid losing key players in January. This may be the case with the winger, as Bournemouth dream of Europe. It is more likely clubs will have to wait until the summer of 2026 before they can officially pursue the hottest ticket currently in the Premier League.

However, similarly to Matheus Cunha's deal to move from Wolves to Manchester United, clubs may be able to lay the groundwork for an early summer transfer, although Semenyo's focus will likely remain on Bournemouth for as long as they can compete at the top end of the table. And in the rare scenario that the Cherries do qualify for Europe, he may opt to remain and lead them into a competition abroad for the very first time in their fascinating history.