(Credit: Imago/Hasan Karim - Breaking Media)
(Credit: Imago/Hasan Karim - Breaking Media)

Stefan Borson: Antoine Semenyo to Man City is now a 'realistic' deal

James Murray

James holds a degree in Sports Journalism and Communications (MA) from the Real Madrid Graduate School. He has experience working for a number of local news outlets as well as the Sunday Mirror and Real Madrid TV. James is from Scunthorpe and has an affinity with Scunthorpe United, but is also a huge West Ham supporter and an expert on all things to do with the Hammers. He started working for Breaking Media in July 2023, initially writing on the Club Sites, where he specialised in West Ham content, before moving to Football Insider – where he is now an expert in football finance, speaking regularly with Stefan Borson and Keith Wyness to generate high-quality content in all things related to finance in the Premier League, Football League, and Scottish Premiership.

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Manchester City are continuing to be linked with multiple top players ahead of the January transfer window. 

Man City secured a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday (14 December) to remain just two points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League title race. 

Pep Guardiola has a decision to make over strengthening his side in January, with the window set to open in two weeks’ time. 

Man City have been linked with Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65million release clause in his Bournemouth contract that can be activated next month. 

Meanwhile, Adam Wharton is also believed to be on Man City’s radar, but Crystal Palace’s £100m asking price is expected to put clubs off pursuing a January deal. 

Antoine Semenyo in action for Bournemouth
Antoine Semenyo has been in excellent form for Bournemouth this season (Credit: Imago)

Antoine Semenyo is 'realistic' January signing

Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Semenyo is the only realistic “major” signing Guardiola's side could make due to the Ghana international’s release clause. 

However, just like Wharton, Semenyo has also been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I think it feels to me that someone like Semenyo is the only realistic deal for a number of clubs in January of that major sort of signing because he's got the release clause. 

“I mean, maybe we'll find out Adam Wharton has got a release clause. If that's the case, then of course, these deals are doable. 

“You might accelerate them, you might take a decision to do it. But in the absence of that, I just don't think Wharton can move in January.” 

Adam Wharton rests during a Premier League game for Crystal Palace
Adam Wharton has been linked with a move to Man City (Credit: Imago)

Semenyo has registered seven goals and three assists in 16 appearances for Bournemouth this season, while Wharton has started in 19 of his 22 outings for Palace. 

Man City's three-man sale plan revealed

Borson previously told Football Insider Man City could sell three stars to help fund their January signings. 

He suggested SavinhoRico Lewis and Oscar Bobb may be allowed to leave the Etihad Stadium if the right offers come along. 

Savinho in a Man City shirt running during a match
Savinho has been linked with a Man City exit (Credit: Imago)

Savinho almost joined Tottenham in the summer transfer window, while Nottingham Forest were keen on signing Lewis. 

The Man City trio in question have largely failed to impress when Guardiola has handed them an opportunity this season. 

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