Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly heading toward a fierce transfer showdown as both clubs eye a move for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.

Multiple well-respected journalists have previously confirmed that Liverpool’s interest in the Ghana international is authentic. As revealed by David Ornstein last month, Semenyo has a £65 million release clause in his contract, which remains active until mid-January.

While Liverpool are believed to have alternative targets in mind should negotiations fall through, current indications suggest the club are ready to compete aggressively for the 25-year-old attacker.

Liverpool reach personal agreement with Semenyo

According to reports from CaughtOffside, Liverpool have now reached an agreement on personal terms with Semenyo and have matched the contract proposal put forward by Manchester City. That development leaves the player facing a major career decision between two of the Premier League’s biggest sides.

Semenyo’s £65m release clause runs until January 10, after which a slightly reduced £60m clause is expected to come into force next summer. Despite the growing interest, the Bournemouth winger is said to be taking his time and has not yet signalled a preference between Liverpool and City, even though terms have reportedly been agreed with both.

Is Semenyo being lined up as Salah’s long-term replacement?

Speculation around Semenyo’s future has intensified following renewed uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s situation at Anfield. After the Egyptian’s public frustrations last weekend, questions have resurfaced about how long Liverpool can continue to rely on their iconic number 11.

Although the club hope Salah can repair relations with new head coach Arne Slot and the Liverpool hierarchy, senior figures at FSG are almost certainly beginning to plan for the future. Salah turns 34 next summer, and contingency planning appears to be underway.

Semenyo made a blistering start to the current campaign, scoring six goals in his opening seven Premier League appearances — including a brace against Liverpool. However, his scoring run has since cooled, with no goals in his last seven league outings since Bournemouth’s 3-1 victory over Fulham in early October.

Work rate and defensive output stand out

Despite the recent dip in goals, Semenyo’s all-round contribution remains impressive. Data from FBref highlights his strong defensive involvement over the past year, suggesting a willingness to track back and contribute without the ball — an area where some critics feel Salah has declined.

Blocks: 1.92 per 90 (top 1%)

Aerial duels won: 2.12 per 90 (97th percentile)

Clearances: 1.11 per 90 (84th percentile)

Tackles: 1.56 per 90 (82nd percentile)

The reported agreement on personal terms underlines how serious Liverpool’s interest has become, although Manchester City remain firmly in the picture. With the January transfer window approaching rapidly, Semenyo’s future is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched stories heading into the festive period and beyond.