BBC Radio Solent journalist Jordan Clark has confirmed that reports about a £65m release clause in Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo’s contract are completely accurate. And while the club would like to keep him, they are effectively powerless to stop a transfer if a rival team triggers the clause during the winter window.
The clause is real, the deadline is short, and replacing him won’t be easy
Semenyo, 25, signed a new long-term deal only this summer, extending his stay at Vitality Stadium until 2030. According to Clark, the inclusion of the release clause was the key condition that convinced the Ghanaian international to commit his future to Bournemouth.
However, this clause can only be activated within a specific time frame during the January transfer window. Any club wanting to sign him must do so early, giving Bournemouth enough time to search for a replacement. Clark explains that this window is believed to span just a couple of weeks — a very small margin, especially in January, when top-level attackers are notoriously difficult to find.
Despite the uncertainty, Bournemouth insist they have an excellent relationship with the player and will try everything possible to keep him until at least the summer.
Liverpool links and growing interest across the Premier League
Liverpool are expected to be one of the clubs monitoring the situation given their connection with new sporting director Richard Hughes, but Clark doubts they will be alone. He believes that any team willing to pay £65m in January will be getting what he calls “an absolute bargain,” given Semenyo’s current form and impact.
Clark also noted that Semenyo’s character could influence the outcome. There remains a chance he chooses to stay out of loyalty or personal preference. But if a club he “cannot turn down” triggers the clause, Bournemouth will have no legal way of blocking the move.
What does this mean for Bournemouth?
The situation leaves fans and analysts questioning how the team should prepare:
Will Semenyo stay for the rest of the season?
If he leaves, who can realistically replace him?
If he stays, how much stronger can Bournemouth become?
The January window is shaping up to be a defining chapter in the club’s season.
