Manchester United has informed Bournemouth of a £65 million bid for Semaño! The winter window Manchester derby will decide the player's destination.

Manchester United is set to face Manchester City at home in mid-January 2026, yet prior to the second Premier League Manchester derby, the two teams may first battle in the winter transfer window for Bournemouth’s 25-year-old winger Antoine Semaño.

According to recent UK media reports, both Manchester United and Manchester City have informed Bournemouth of their plan to activate the £65 million release clause in Semaño’s contract. This amount is valid only until January 10th, requiring the buyer to pay £60 million as the buyout fee plus an additional £5 million in potential add-ons.

Both clubs have already reached verbal agreements with Semaño’s agent regarding personal terms. The deal structure resembles Manchester United’s summer signing of Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million. Semaño remained professional during Bournemouth’s recent training matches, even scoring against his potential future club Manchester United right in front of the famous West Stand at Old Trafford.

Sources reveal that Semaño has had conversations with Manchester United’s coach Ruben Amorim and also met with Manchester City and Guardiola to hear their plans. While he enjoys his time at Bournemouth, he feels it is time to take the next step in his career.

Regarding the choice between Manchester United and Manchester City, Semaño has not yet made a decision. Each club offers its own advantages and drawbacks: joining Manchester City offers a chance for titles and Champions League football, plus playing in his preferred winger role, but he would face fierce competition and rotation; moving to Manchester United likely guarantees a starting spot and higher pay, though Amorim might ask him to play as a left wing-back, and the club is out of European competitions this season.

Liverpool cooled their interest in Semaño after initial talks in November, but Jurgen Klopp’s team will definitely be active in the winter window, especially following Isaac’s injury last weekend, which might push them to act. If so, Semaño’s transfer battle could evolve from a Manchester derby into a “three-way contest” among the northwest English giants.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated: “Semaño will soon make a decision about his future. Both Manchester United and Manchester City are pushing for the deal. Liverpool contacted him in November but did not follow up; however, they will be active this transfer window. Tottenham’s interest is not serious. His £65 million release clause expires on January 10th.”

David Ornstein, the authoritative expert from “The Athletic,” explained: “Everything I know suggests that Semaño’s transfer is very likely. The strongest contenders currently emerging are Manchester City and Manchester United, both highly valuing him. Liverpool is reportedly interested as well but has not taken similar steps so far. Let’s see if Isaac’s injury news changes the situation, as we previously reported Liverpool are concerned about the severity of his left calf injury.”

Ornstein also confirmed that the top suitors for Semaño remain the Manchester clubs: “Tottenham is eager and ready to offer Semaño a very lucrative contract, but the player has politely focused his attention on other clubs, namely Manchester City or Manchester United, from which he will have to choose. Arsenal has monitored the situation but is more focused on the summer window, and I don’t think Semaño is willing to wait until then.”

Amorim previously mentioned his hope to have a “right-footed Amad Diallo” on the left side, a description that fits Semaño. However, Manchester United must also strengthen their midfield; otherwise, their imbalance will worsen. Data shows that the Red Devils have kept only one clean sheet so far this season, with their defense lagging behind in the Premier League.