Manchester United’s chase for Antoine Semenyo was far from a casual inquiry; it was a calculated pursuit that began months before the summer transfer window even opened.
Transfer Podcast suggests that by March, the Bournemouth forward had been elevated to the top tier of United’s attacking wishlist.
Talks quickly gained traction, with personal terms reportedly settled well in advance of any official negotiations. Yet despite their admiration for the Ghanaian international, United’s hierarchy refused to exceed a £55 million valuation—a stance that ultimately stalled discussions with Bournemouth, who were reluctant to part with one of their standout performers on anything less than their own lofty terms.
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In a striking demonstration of how seriously the club rated Semenyo, new manager Rúben Amorim even hosted the 24-year-old for a private dinner following the Premier League season’s conclusion. Far from a tactical deep dive, insiders say the meeting was a personal character assessment—a way for Amorim to gauge Semenyo’s mentality and ambition before greenlighting any final push for his signature.
The courtship underlined United’s intent to rejuvenate their frontline with a versatile forward who could flourish in Amorim’s high-intensity system.
Semenyo’s performances last season only strengthened that case: 11 goals and 6 assists across 36 Premier League appearances, making him one of Bournemouth’s most potent threats.
Semenyo’s assist helps Bournemouth to secure a win over Wolverhampton
Although the move ultimately failed to materialize this summer, United’s interest in Semenyo signals a longer-term strategy. The Ghanaian’s mix of pace, power, and work rate has clearly caught the attention of Old Trafford’s decision-makers, and with Amorim keen on reshaping the squad in his image, few would bet against United reigniting their pursuit in future windows.
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