United pull out of chase for explosive PL attacker
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have both decided to end their pursuit of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo after being put off by the Cherries’ steep asking price. The Premier League duo had been monitoring the Ghanaian striker as a potential summer signing, but both clubs are now believed to have stepped away from negotiations due to financial constraints.
United, in particular, have been actively exploring attacking reinforcements following a lacklustre 2024/25 season in front of goal. Despite sealing a move for Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this window, Erik ten Hag’s side remains in the market for another attacking option to revitalize the squad’s offensive output.
Among the names on United’s shortlist has been Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, with negotiations ongoing between the clubs. However, with no breakthrough yet in talks, United were reportedly prepared to shift their focus to Antoine Semenyo—who enjoyed an impressive 2023/24 campaign with Bournemouth, netting 13 goals and contributing seven assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.
Semenyo’s rise has not gone unnoticed, with United manager Erik ten Hag and incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth said to be admirers of the player. Furthermore, Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim—who was previously linked with the managerial post at Old Trafford—was also reported to be fond of the Ghanaian international’s versatility, pace, and direct style of play.
However, any hope of securing Semenyo’s signature has been dashed due to Bournemouth’s firm stance on his valuation. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, both United and Tottenham made contact with the Cherries to explore the possibility of a transfer, but were immediately met with resistance.
“Tottenham Hotspur have made an enquiry to Bournemouth about forward Antoine Semenyo,” Ornstein reported, “but are not proceeding with a move for the Ghanaian forward at present.”
He added that Semenyo was understood to be interested in the idea of moving to north London, with Spurs believed to have made the most serious approach between the two clubs. Despite the player’s willingness, Bournemouth’s valuation—said to be in the region of £70 million—has proven to be a major stumbling block.
Semenyo, who joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in January 2023, signed a new long-term five-year contract with the south coast club just six months later, in July 2023. This means Andoni Iraola’s side holds all the leverage in negotiations and are in no rush or financial pressure to sell one of their key attacking assets.
Transfer insider Ben Jacobs corroborated Ornstein’s report, further clarifying the financial details behind Bournemouth’s stance. Taking to social media, Jacobs stated, “Bournemouth’s valuation on Antoine Semenyo is clear. They want more than the £55m + £10m Spurs paid for Dominic Solanke.” He went on to say that the Cherries would only entertain offers in excess of £65 million, otherwise Semenyo is staying put.
This price tag appears to have cooled interest from both Manchester United and Tottenham, at least for now. Spurs, who are reshaping their squad under Ange Postecoglou, had looked into Semenyo as a versatile forward option who could provide cover and competition across the frontline. However, the club is keen to remain disciplined in the transfer market and is unlikely to meet Bournemouth’s valuation.
United’s transfer strategy, on the other hand, has been underpinned by tighter financial constraints this summer due to UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations and the need to trim the wage bill before making any more marquee signings. The £70 million fee demanded by Bournemouth would likely consume a significant portion of United’s remaining transfer budget—especially with other positions such as central midfield and right-back also in need of reinforcement.
With both Premier League giants backing away from the deal, the path appears to be clear for Semenyo to remain a Bournemouth player heading into the 2025/26 campaign, unless another suitor emerges willing to match the Cherries’ valuation.
The Ghanaian’s stock continues to rise after a productive season in which he proved he could deliver in the Premier League. At 25 years old, Semenyo has become one of the standout talents outside of the traditional “Big Six,” combining pace, power, and an eye for goal—traits that have attracted top clubs despite his relatively recent arrival in the top flight.
For now, Bournemouth appear content to keep hold of their star forward and build around him for the upcoming season. Semenyo is expected to play a vital role in Iraola’s setup as the Cherries aim to push into the top half of the table. With several years remaining on his deal, the club has no obligation to sell unless their lofty valuation is met.
As the summer transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen whether any club will be willing to meet Bournemouth’s demands, or if Semenyo himself will push for a move. But for now, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have exited the race—leaving the Ghanaian’s immediate future settled, at least temporarily, on the south coast.