Tottenham are no longer seen as serious contenders for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, even though they are keen to add attacking options out wide in January. Spurs admire the Ghana international but now look set to miss out on him this winter.
Semenyo has a £65m release clause — £60m upfront plus £5m in add-ons — which will be active from the start of 2026 until January 10. Manchester City and Manchester United are currently leading the race for the 25-year-old, who turns 26 in early January, while Liverpool could also enter the picture following Alexander Isak’s injury.
Spurs explored a move for Semenyo last summer but were deterred by the high valuation, and although there have been fresh enquiries ahead of January, David Ornstein reports the winger has already politely declined a move to the Europa League winners.
As a result, attention has turned to possible alternatives, with Thomas Frank insisting Tottenham will “100 per cent” be active in the market. However, some of the names discussed are speculative rather than concrete targets.
Savinho of Manchester City is one option Spurs have long admired. Although they never made a formal bid last summer, their interest was genuine. City were unwilling to sell, but the Brazilian has seen limited minutes ahead of the World Cup and is believed to be open to a move. Versatile and just 21, he could play on either wing or centrally, though City would likely demand a hefty fee.
Germany U21 winger El Mala has emerged as a wildcard after an impressive Bundesliga season with FC Köln. A natural left-winger who is strong with both feet, he fits Spurs’ profile well, but Tottenham already have young wide players in Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert who have struggled for consistency. With that in mind, Spurs may prioritise a more proven option.
PSG’s Kang-in Lee is another name under consideration. More of a No.10 than a true winger, he is a creative force who can unlock defences and has reportedly grown frustrated with his lack of game time in Paris. However, he does not fully address Spurs’ need for a specialist left-winger and is most effective on the right, where Frank has been reluctant to move Mohammed Kudus.
Maghnes Akliouche of Monaco is a similar case. Naturally a central attacking midfielder who can also play wide right, he would add quality and excitement but is not a left-sided specialist. Akliouche has previously described links to Spurs as flattering and has hinted at Premier League ambitions, though Monaco are unlikely to sanction a January sale.
Rodrygo of Real Madrid represents the most ambitious — and unlikely — option. With limited minutes under Xabi Alonso, there is a slim chance finances could tempt Madrid, but a January move appears unrealistic. Rodrygo wants to stay and fight for his place, and with potential managerial changes at Madrid, he may yet get a fresh opportunity. Even if he were available, Spurs would face stiff competition from clubs like Manchester City, Arsenal or Liverpool, whom he would likely prefer.
