Manchester United’s pursuit of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo collapsed due to a wage dispute. Despite being ready to pay £55 million, the Red Devils offered Semenyo a lower wage than other attackers, leading him to stay at Bournemouth and receive a pay rise. Semenyo’s impressive form has since attracted further interest from other top clubs.
Manchester United's ambitious pursuit of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo took a dramatic turn in the summer of 2025, with the Red Devils reportedly prepared to shell out a substantial £55 million for the Ghanaian international. However, despite the significant transfer fee, the deal ultimately fell through due to disagreements over the player's potential weekly wages.
Erik ten Hag, then manager of Manchester United, was eager to bolster his attacking options, having already secured the services of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. Semenyo, with his impressive pace, dribbling skills, and versatility, was identified as a key target to further enhance the team's offensive prowess.
According to reports, Ten Hag held a personal meeting with Semenyo, outlining his vision for the player's role within the squad and expressing his admiration for his abilities. The meeting seemingly went well, with Semenyo initially impressed by the club's interest and the manager's plans. However, the negotiations hit a snag when discussions turned to the financial aspects of the deal.
Manchester United were willing to meet Bournemouth's £55 million valuation of Semenyo, demonstrating their commitment to securing his signature. However, the club's proposed wage structure for the player proved to be a major stumbling block. Semenyo's representatives were seeking a salary package that reflected his status as a key player and aligned with the earnings of other high-profile members of the squad.
It is understood that Manchester United were only prepared to offer Semenyo around 70 percent of the wages earned by Cunha and Mbeumo, two other attacking players who had recently joined the club. This disparity in pay raised concerns for Semenyo, who felt that his contributions and potential were not being adequately recognized.
Faced with the prospect of earning significantly less than his counterparts at Old Trafford, Semenyo made the decision to remain at Bournemouth. The Cherries, keen to retain their prized asset, responded by offering him a substantial pay rise, ensuring that he felt valued and appreciated at the club.
Semenyo's decision to stay at Bournemouth proved to be a wise one, as he enjoyed a fine start to the 2025/26 campaign, showcasing his talent with impressive performances and contributing goals and assists. His continued success has only heightened speculation about a potential move to a bigger club in the future.
Whether Manchester United will reignite their interest in Semenyo remains to be seen. With Erik ten Hag gone, it is uncertain if Semenyo remains a target for the new manager Ruben Amorim. But his impressive start to the season means that he will have plenty of suitors when he chooses to leave Bournemouth. The Red Devils may face stiff competition from other top clubs if they decide to pursue him again.
The collapse of the Semenyo deal serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in modern football transfers. While transfer fees often dominate the headlines, wage negotiations can be equally crucial in determining whether a deal ultimately comes to fruition. In this instance, a disagreement over wages proved to be the decisive factor, preventing Semenyo from joining Manchester United and forcing the club to explore alternative options.