Man City and Man United lead the race for Antoine Semenyo after Ornstein update

Manchester City and Manchester United have moved into pole position for Antoine Semenyo after respected reporter David Ornstein indicated a transfer is highly possible. Multiple club contacts describe Semenyo as a perfect fit for both teams thanks to his direct running, pressing and versatility across the front line. Bournemouth are braced for offers and sources expect a serious push if the numbers align. City see him as high energy depth with end product. United admire his power on the right and his ability to drive through pressure. The race is tight and accelerating, with fee expectations rising.

According to well-placed reports from the UK, David Ornstein has informed that a move for Antoine Semenyo is highly possible and that Manchester City and Manchester United are the leading contenders. Conversations with intermediaries familiar with both clubs suggest recruitment teams have tracked Semenyo closely since his standout run last season for Bournemouth. Club scouts have logged his high carry volume, out-to-in runs and intensity against top-six opponents. Bournemouth are aware of the interest and are preparing for formal approaches if valuations are met.

🚨🗣️ @David_Ornstein on Antoine Semenyo: "Everything I’ve learned suggests that a transfer is highly possible and the names that are emerging as the leading contenders are Manchester City and Manchester United, in no particular order. They’re both extremely fond of him.

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

If completed, this deal would be one of the most efficient talent grabs of the window. Semenyo’s profile is built for elite systems. He is a relentless ball carrier, a hard presser and a wide forward who can step inside to finish. For City, he addresses a specific need: fresh legs and vertical threat on the right flank when Pep wants to rotate between Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Jérémy Doku and Julián Álvarez. Semenyo’s willingness to track back and his repeat sprints fit City’s off-ball demands without disrupting structure.

For United, the impact could be even sharper. They have lacked a consistent, high-pace right-sided option. Semenyo’s ability to progress play alone, pin full-backs and attack the far post would change how United transition. He creates separation without a perfect pass, which reduces strain on midfield. His pressing from the front would also raise the floor for United’s out-of-possession work.

From a market perspective, he is entering his prime and already adapted to the Premier League. Last season he produced decisive moments for Bournemouth against top opposition, with a strong tally of goals and carries into the box. He does not need a bedding-in period. Commercially, a domestic transfer for a Ghana international with exciting highlights is an easy sell to fans and partners. In short, the football and business cases line up neatly.

Reaction

Fan sentiment split quickly. United supporters are asking the right question: can they beat City to an in-form Premier League forward at the exact time City tend to close these deals fast. One United fan put it plainly, wondering if the player would choose them over the champions. Another admitted that in the current state, it is hard to compete head to head for his signature. There was also gallows humor about potential fees and league position, a nod to frustrations with recent windows.

City-leaning voices are confident. They see a low-risk profile with high upside and a player who would thrive surrounded by creators. The wider conversation was noisy too. Some United-focused accounts drifted into broader topics like waiting on City’s legal situation, while club legends and official channels were celebrating academy debuts, creating a contrast between long-term optimism and the immediate need for senior reinforcements.

Neutral fans like the football fit. The consensus in my inbox after the story broke: Semenyo’s game scales. If he becomes City’s rotational weapon, he could explode. If he becomes United’s first-choice right-sided runner, he could transform their transitions. Either way, people appreciate that this is a pursuit for a player who has earned it against Premier League defenses, not just a highlight reel merchant from afar.

Social reactions

£65m on another player to finish 7th 😂

Bruce Henry Bond (@BruceHBond)

I wish city’s charges outcome would hurry up. Surely relegation or a transfer ban and that would be very timely

We-All-Follow-United (@JimRatcliffeIn)

We can compete at the moment with City for his signature and Semenyo would be very stupid to select United at this current situation..

Private💎 🇳🇬 (@SunnismUTD)

Prediction

Here is how I see it playing out from calls today. Bournemouth will set an asking price in the mid 40s to low 50s in millions, with performance add-ons. City are likely to move first with a structured bid that protects value and includes minutes and bonus triggers. United will counter with stronger guarantees on role, because they can offer a starting pathway on the right more readily. Personal terms should be straightforward either way - a long-term deal, competitive wages, clear development plan.

If City accelerate this week, they can close early. They have the habit and the network to pull it off once a target is greenlit. If they pause, United’s sporting structure under new decision-makers can jump the queue by selling a central-role vision and a quicker route to hero status at Old Trafford. Semenyo’s camp will weigh minutes, style and stability.

Two scenarios: 1) City land him as rotational dynamite and he logs 1,800 to 2,200 minutes across competitions, spiking in cup and midweek fixtures. 2) United win the race and hand him a starting berth, where he posts double-digit goal contributions across league and cups. A third outside outcome - Bournemouth keep him with a new deal - is possible only if bids don’t match valuation. Probability split today: City 45 percent, United 40 percent, stay 15 percent.

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Conclusion

I walked out of Vitality Stadium last spring with one thought after speaking to staff: Semenyo’s engine is top tier. That is why this story has legs. City admire the control he brings to chaos in wide areas. United crave that exact chaos to jolt their attack. Both can justify the spend, both can outline a role that makes sense, and both have already done extensive homework on his character and training habits.

For Bournemouth, this is the market working in their favor. They developed a Premier League menace and now powerhouses are circling. The club will hold firm on price and ask for add-ons linked to appearances and trophies. For Semenyo, the choice is style. City offer a medal track and surgical minutes in a winning machine. United offer a big stage with room to lead a rebuild from the right side. Either move looks like a smart next step. If there is no late curveball, expect a decisive fortnight and a signing that fits modern top-flight football perfectly.