CONFIRMED: Manchester United Reach Agreement on Personal Terms with Prolific 24-Year-Old Star as Ruben Amorim Secures First January Addition
Manchester United have received a significant lift ahead of the January transfer window after successfully reaching an agreement on personal terms with Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.
The 24-year-old, widely regarded as one of the most inventive attacking players in the league this season, has enjoyed a remarkable campaign, registering an impressive 31 goals across all competitions.
Following intense negotiations that reportedly stretched late into the night, the deal has now been approved, with head coach Ruben Amorim effectively confirming his first signing of the winter window.
United’s season under Amorim has been a story of inconsistency. While performances have fluctuated, the Red Devils remain firmly in contention for a top-four finish and are currently just three points off the Champions League places.
With qualification for Europe’s elite competition still within reach, the club’s hierarchy appears willing to support Amorim by making a high-profile signing to strengthen the squad during the mid-season window.
Ideally, Manchester United would like to reinforce their midfield, particularly with the addition of a commanding defensive midfielder. However, several of their preferred targets are unlikely to be available in January.
Players such as Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba are all expected to remain with their respective clubs until at least the summer.
As a result, United have shifted their focus toward enhancing their attacking options, where reinforcements could make an immediate difference.
Well-known transfer expert David Ornstein has shed further light on the situation, revealing that Manchester United and Manchester City have emerged as the two strongest contenders in the race for Semenyo’s signature.
Speaking on NBC Sports, Ornstein explained that the Bournemouth winger has attracted widespread interest due to his explosive form, but his decision now appears to be narrowed down to the two Manchester clubs.
Semenyo’s contract reportedly includes a £65 million release clause, which becomes active for a short window between January 1 and January 10.
Ornstein also noted that while Liverpool and Arsenal admire the player, neither club is currently pushing aggressively for a winter move.
Tottenham Hotspur, on the other hand, were said to be keen and even prepared to offer a substantial wage package, but Semenyo has chosen to prioritize other options, with Manchester United and Manchester City at the forefront of his thinking.
Ornstein explained that Arsenal’s interest may resurface in the summer, but Semenyo is not keen on delaying a move until then.
With United and City both actively monitoring the situation, the forward is believed to be waiting for a decisive step from one of the two clubs.
From United’s perspective, signing Semenyo could prove transformative. Despite creating numerous chances this season, the Red Devils have repeatedly missed opportunities to solidify their place in the top four, dropping points through frustrating draws and avoidable defeats. While their goal tally matches that of Arsenal, defensive frailties have undermined their progress.
Given the difficulty of securing a top-class defensive midfielder in January, strengthening the attack with a player capable of making an instant impact appears a logical strategy.
Semenyo, once described as “fantastic” by former Bristol City manager Dean Holden, fits that profile perfectly.
His pace, creativity, and end product could add a new dimension to United’s frontline and potentially provide the spark needed to push the club back into the Champions League places.
If finalized, this signing would mark a strong statement of intent from Ruben Amorim and could play a crucial role in shaping Manchester United’s fortunes for the remainder of the season.
