Everton are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo, a target for Crystal Palace.
According to The Guardian, Everton are one of the clubs interested in signing Antoine Semenyo from Bristol City and have already submitted a tentative enquiry for the Ghanaian international this summer amid competition from Crystal Palace.
The 22-year-old has been one of the most exciting up-and-coming talents in the second-tier of English football and is in high demand after what has been his breakthrough campaign at Ashton Gate. Semenyo enjoyed the best season of his career in 2021/22, recording eight goals and 12 assists in just 31 appearances in the league.
While Bristol City would prefer to retain the services of the Ghanaian international, the Robins have historically made it clear that selling players for large profits is an important element of their business model. And they have experienced some financial troubles in the last year due to the pandemic, so they would almost certainly be willing to cash in on their prized asset for the right price.
Also, Semenyo has ambitions to play in the Premier League and is yet to commit his long-term future to Bristol City, who have been struggling at the lower end of the Championship this season under Nigel Pearson. The Championship outfit will not stand in Semenyo’s way if an offer of around £20 million, including add-ons, arrives on their table.
Semenyo currently has less than twelve months remaining on his contract. However, Bristol City have the option of adding another year that they are expected to trigger to make the Ghanaian international harder to buy as they aim to extract their desired valuation from potential suitors if they are forced to sell him this summer.
Needless to say, plenty of top-flight clubs have expressed their interest in acquiring Semenyo’s services. Bournemouth are said to have had a £10 million bid knocked back earlier this summer, while Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, and Everton are also monitoring his situation.
Crystal Palace, for one, are prepared to pay £12 million for Semenyo. The Eagles have been looking for a striker all summer and now have another opening in their attack following the departure of veteran Christian Benteke to DC United.
Crystal Palace have a history of plundering the Championship for some of the division’s brightest young players, notably Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, and many more. Semenyo could follow suit and be a part of Patrick Vieira’s exciting project at Selhurst Park.
As for Everton, Anthony Gordon has started both of their league games as a false nine, with Richarlison sold to Tottenham and Dominic Calvert-Lewin sidelined for up to six weeks due to a knee injury. And Frank Lampard clearly does not rate veteran Salomon Rondon.
Semenyo could be the answer to Everton’s woes. The 22-year-old is blessed with electric pace, agility, and tricky feet, and can be a nightmare to mark due to his clever movement off the ball. That said, the youngster is currently out of action after sustaining a shin injury whilst on international duty for Ghana and is not anticipated to return until October.
That could scupper Everton’s interest, with the Toffees in desperate need of a new striker who can hit the ground running straightaway with the days ticking down on the transfer window. It will be interesting to see if Crystal Palace follow up with their interest.