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Man Utd keen to sign Antoine Semenyo alternative in January - Fabrizio Romano
Tom Weber
- 30 Dec 2025 12:24 CST
- 3 min read
News
Manchester United are looking to sign an alternative to Antoine Semenyo before sanctioning Joshua Zirkzee's move to AS Roma, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils were among the finalists for the signature of the Bournemouth star, but they ultimately came away from this transfer battle empty-handed. Semenyo chose Man City as his favoured January destination due to his desire to win silverware.
The fact that Man Utd were ready to spend €74 million on the 25-year-old illustrates that they have the capacity to bring in signings in January. Indeed, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Old Trafford club are actively looking for an alternative to Semenyo.
The desire to add another attacker - despite spending over €250m on forwards in the summer - is informed by Joshua Zirkzee's urge to leave the club and join AS Roma, having struggled to make his mark in Manchester.
The Serie A giants have offered Man Utd a €40 million package, consisting of a loan deal that would become permanent if they were to qualify for the Champions League. Zirkzee has greenlit the move, but the transfer still needs to be approved by Man Utd.
One in, one out at Man Utd
As reported on Monday, it is not expected that there will be a quick resolution to the Zirkzee saga. Man Utd will not allow the Dutchman to depart before Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo have returned from the Africa Cup of Nations.
As Romano now adds, Man Utd will also not sanction his exit unless they manage to bring in a suitable replacement. “Man Utd and Roma are negotiating a loan with an obligation to buy," the Italian explained on his YouTube channel.
"What I’m told is that Man Utd will only approve this solution for Zirkzee to leave the club if they can get a replacement. So Man Utd have started exploring the market again after they failed to reach an agreement with Antoine Semenyo.
"They are back in the market for an attacking player, because in that case Joshua Zirkzee could leave the club and go to Roma. We know about the midfield, but keep an eye also on that topic about the forward situation, with Joshua Zirkzee, who could leave and join Roma."
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