MU employs an 'unusual' tactic to recruit a Premier League star

Manchester United is demonstrating proactive and strategic planning in the winter transfer market by targeting Antoine Semenyo, a winger currently impressing at Bournemouth.

According to multiple sources from the British media, the Old Trafford club does not intend to trigger Semenyo’s £65 million release clause in the usual manner, but instead aims to negotiate a payment plan spread over several years.

Antoine Semenyo is currently one of Bournemouth’s most outstanding attacking players in the Premier League this season. With his speed, strength, and versatility playing both wings and as a striker, the Ghanaian international has quickly attracted interest from several top clubs, including Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool. Semenyo’s release clause is reportedly valid until January 10, but the details regarding the payment method remain unclear.

This ambiguity opens the door for Manchester United to enter negotiations. Rather than paying the full £65 million upfront, the Red Devils’ management wants to split the fee into multiple installments to ease short-term financial pressure. This is not the first time Manchester United has used this strategy; they previously succeeded in activating Matheus Cunha’s release clause from Wolves by negotiating a more flexible payment schedule.

Given that Manchester United still needs to balance their budget, comply with financial regulations, and strengthen multiple positions, the installment plan is considered a sensible option. Reducing the initial outlay not only provides the club with greater flexibility in their transfer strategy but also leaves room to manage other deals during the same window.

However, the Antoine Semenyo deal is certainly not straightforward. Before negotiations between Manchester United and Bournemouth can progress, the Red Devils must secure the player’s agreement. Semenyo is currently weighing his future options, as he is also attracting interest from Manchester City and Liverpool, two direct rivals of Manchester United both in the title race and in Premier League stature. The decision of the Ghanaian forward will be crucial, because if he prefers to join another club, all of Manchester United’s plans could collapse.

From Bournemouth’s perspective, the club is under no obligation to sell their star player. Holding a release clause gives them the upper hand and allows them to demand the best possible terms if they agree to negotiate. Nevertheless, a reasonable offer combined with a flexible payment plan from Manchester United could make Bournemouth reconsider.