Liverpool eye £60m January route to swap out Salah

The clause and what it means

According to Romano, the clause in Antoine Semenyo’s contract allows a January exit for a fixed fee of £60 million, with the possibility of a further £5 million in add-ons. The clause is expected to drop in value in June to around £50 million, a timeframe in which Bournemouth would prefer the forward to remain.

For the club, this clause structure limits negotiating room: once triggered, Bournemouth cannot block a move, regardless of their sporting priorities.

Why Liverpool are in the frame

Romano has reported that Liverpool are “seriously interested,” indicating that the 25-year-old has become a realistic option as the club assesses additions to its forward line. No formal bid has been made public, but acknowledging interest raises the temperature around the player as the January window approaches.

Semenyo’s rise and importance to Bournemouth

Semenyo joined Bournemouth in January 2023 after a strong Championship spell and has since developed into a central figure for the team.

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His performances this season have been among the brightest in the squad, with notable contributions in goals, pressing intensity, and direct running, traits that fit the Premier League’s high-tempo style.

Last season he delivered his best Premier League return to date, reaching double-digit goals while helping Bournemouth secure one of the strongest league finishes in their history.

His pace, ball-carrying ability, and versatility across the front line have made him difficult to replace, increasing the pressure on the club as interest grows externally.

The stakes for Bournemouth

Bournemouth now face a difficult balance: hold onto a key performer who is vital to their tactical structure, or accept that the release clause could be activated in January when replacing him would be significantly more difficult.

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The club’s desire to keep him until June is understandable, especially with the clause dropping by roughly £10 million later in the year.

The situation underscores how release clauses continue to shape Premier League transfer strategy. While such clauses protect player value, they can also limit clubs’ control over timing. For wealthier sides, they offer clarity, the fee is set, but also encourage decisive, early movement to outpace rivals.

As January approaches, Semenyo’s situation may test how aggressively Liverpool or other interested clubs are willing to act in a crowded mid-season market.

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