David James: Ex England Goalkeeper Warns Antoine Semenyo Over January Transfer
- Former England international David James has advised Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo ahead of a transfer move
- Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly 'most interested' in signing the AFC Bournemouth star and Ghana international
- The North London side could face competition from a host of rival clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester United
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David James has issued a warning to Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo amid growing transfer interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham.
Reports this week claim Liverpool have ‘joined the race’ to sign the Ghanaian forward in January, with both United and Spurs also monitoring his situation closely.
Source: Getty Images
The Independent claims the Reds reportedly see Semenyo as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, whose recent dip in form has raised questions about his future.
The 25-year-old, who follows a strict diet, has been in sensational form for Bournemouth this season, registering six goals and three assists in his first eight Premier League games.
talkSPORT suggests Manchester United and Tottenham both made summer bids for the Ghanaian, but their offers fell short of Bournemouth’s valuation.
Semenyo went on to sign a new contract, which is believed to include a release clause, with the Cherries valuing him at more than £75 million.
David James advises Semenyo
However, former Liverpool and Bournemouth goalkeeper David James has cautioned the winger that a January move could limit his playing time at a bigger club.
Speaking exclusively to Metro Sports, James said:
‘I think Bournemouth have shown they’re not frightened to lose players. I think they’ve been excellent in that sense, just looking at this season and the players they lost. I think with Bournemouth, it will be a calculated decision.
‘I think Bournemouth would have to have someone lined up [as a replacement], and it wouldn’t surprise me if they’ve already got someone lined up or have in the pipeline to get lined up.
‘If I were Semenyo, well, we’re not talking about bad teams here, are we? I think the question would be, where is he going to get game time?
‘It’s the Premier League with five substitutes, [so] there’s always going to be game time [but] is it going to be the game time that he wants, compared to what he is having at Bournemouth? Or is it just purely about where do I win trophies?’
Source: Getty Images
James plays down Semenyo’s Arsenal support
Semenyo has long been open about his admiration for Arsenal, but former goalkeeper David James has dismissed the idea that his boyhood support would influence any future transfer decision, should the Gunners join the race for his signature.
“I love it when I hear that football players are fans of certain teams,” James said.
“Because being a fan doesn’t mean you’re there, it’s not like your room’s covered in posters of your favourite players. He just have to be smart of any move and maybe he just enjoys their style of play.”
Speaking last year about his dream move, Semenyo admitted:
“I am an Arsenal fan. It’s great to play against Arsenal, a team I’ve watched all my life, and I want to play for the top clubs as well.”
When asked if joining a club like Arsenal would be a dream move, he replied:
“Yeah, any team that plays in the Champions League or Europa League — that’s the aim.”
Semenyo wins top prize in England
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Antoine Semenyo was named the PFA Premier League Fans’ Player of the Month for September 2025 after an impressive spell with Bournemouth.
The Black Stars forward beat some of the league’s top stars to the award following a string of brilliant displays that powered the Cherries’ attack.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
