Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo could become one of the biggest stories of the upcoming winter transfer window after it was revealed that the winger has a £65 million release clause active only during the first two weeks of January. Sources have confirmed to BBC Sport that Semenyo’s newly signed contract includes a short activation window designed to give Bournemouth time to secure a replacement if necessary.

The Ghana international, who joined the Cherries from Bristol City for £10m in January 2023, signed a new five-year deal on 1 July following strong interest from top Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. While Bournemouth succeeded in keeping hold of their standout attacker over the summer, the presence of this release clause could place his future back into the spotlight.

Short Activation Window Gives Bournemouth Control

Semenyo’s release clause, set at £65m, can only be triggered during the first two weeks of the January 2026 transfer window. This structure ensures that if a buying club activates the clause early, Bournemouth will still have ample time to reinvest funds into securing a high-quality replacement.

The winter transfer window opens on Thursday, 1 January 2026, for Premier League and EFL clubs, and closes at 19:00 GMT on Monday, 2 February. Any club aiming to secure Semenyo’s signature must therefore move quickly during that limited early-January period.

Semenyo’s Rising Form and Premier League Breakthrough

The 25-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season under manager Andoni Iraola. In just 11 league appearances, Semenyo has produced six goals and three assists, becoming a driving force behind Bournemouth’s attacking play.

Last season marked a major breakthrough in his career, as he reached double-digit goal contributions for the first time — scoring 11 Premier League goals and 13 in all competitions. His pace, physicality, and relentless energy have made him a nightmare for defenders and an essential part of Bournemouth’s evolution.

From Rejection to Premier League Star

Semenyo’s journey to top-flight success has been anything but straightforward. Born in London and eligible to play for Ghana through his father, he was turned away by Arsenal, Tottenham, and Millwall as a youngster. Instead of giving up, he joined the football programme at SGS College in Bristol, overseen by former Leeds United and Forest Green manager Dave Hockaday.

His perseverance paid off when Bristol City signed him in 2017. But the path to the first team required patience: Semenyo went out on multiple loan spells, including stints at Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland, before earning his place in Bristol City’s starting lineup during the 2020–21 season.

Bournemouth’s €10m Gamble That Paid Off

Bournemouth secured Semenyo for £10m in January 2023, and since then the winger has developed into one of the club’s most important assets. His goals last season played a key role in helping the Cherries secure a ninth-place Premier League finish — one of the club’s strongest campaigns in recent years.

Although the club sold three major defenders — Illia Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez, and Dean Huijsen — for nearly £150m during the summer, and failed to convert goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan into a permanent deal, keeping Semenyo has proven crucial.

With the January window approaching and a £65m escape clause looming, Bournemouth now face a significant challenge: whether they can resist another wave of interest for one of their most improved and exciting players.

What Happens Next?

If a Premier League giant — or a top club from abroad — chooses to activate Semenyo’s release clause early in January, Bournemouth will be powerless to stop the transfer. However, given the winger’s form, age, and rapid improvement, some will argue that £65m represents fair value in today’s market.

Either way, Semenyo is set to be one of the headline transfer stories of January 2026, with his future once again under the microscope.