For months it has been believed that his deal contained a clause somewhere in the mid-£60m range - yet the crucial details around when it activated and how long it remained valid had remained unclear.
Figures close to Bournemouth have been deliberately coy, consistently downplaying whether a clause would be relevant any time soon - and there were assumptions it would not come into effect until the summer.
But that interpretation has now been turned on its head.
Fresh reports on Monday revealed that the clause does in fact become active for the opening two-week period during the upcoming January transfer window and it is set at £65 million.
The news instantly changes the tone around Semenyo’s future and presents Bournemouth with a genuine challenge as they prepare for interest from clubs capable of triggering it.
His departure is not guaranteed but the next few weeks could unfold in several directions.
Tottenham are among the teams ready to test Bournemouth’s resolve. They have been tracking Semenyo since the summer and are determined to add another wide forward as they reshape their attack.
With the club preparing to be aggressive in the market as they build towards 2026, there is a belief that they could exploit this opportunity.
For the player, the prospect of linking up with Thomas Frank at Spurs would represent a compelling next step, offering both a bigger stage and a vision of a style of play that suits him. Tottenham themselves are trying to elevate their ambitions and Semenyo fits the profile of players they want to help push that process forward.
Liverpool are confident that they could win the race to sign him and would provide a very different opportunity. Semenyo has been discussed internally as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah and while Liverpool had not been planning major business in January, the chance to move early on a player they admire could shift the dynamic.
For Semenyo, it would be a test of whether he can thrive in a side expected to compete for trophies on multiple fronts. But the situation at Liverpool is complex because of the difficulties they have been having recently.
Their squad has grown in numbers and quality but has also become unbalanced in key areas, sparking questions over whether another significant attacking addition in mid-season would be the right move.
Manchester United, meanwhile, see Semenyo as a player that fits their future vision. He is at a perfect stage of his career and they value his versatility and believe he could fill a number of roles across their attack.
He has the attributes to operate as a creator for the No.10 positions but also has the athletic profile to cover wing-back areas if needed.
It would not be the ideal use of his talents but United see him as someone who immediately elevates the energy and quality of their side.
The biggest obstacle for any club remains the clause itself.
Securing Semenyo in January means paying the full £65m upfront - and that level of commitment in the January window provides Bournemouth with some optimism that they can hold onto him for the rest of the campaign.
They are enjoying an impressive season and hope the player may be willing to show loyalty by finishing it with them before reassessing his options in the summer.
