Richard Hughes looks at the media during a press conferenceplaceholder image
Richard Hughes looks at the media during a press conference | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool are already exploring new transfer targets for 2026 following a tough start to the season
While plenty of rumours are swirling around Liverpool’s potential January business, a new report has claimed that they are in fact putting in ‘groundwork’ for a much bigger summer transfer window.
The Reds spent a record amount of cash this year on blockbuster recruits, including Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. A raft of new players came over the threshold but this season has not gotten off to the start many had envisaged with the extra star power in the ranks.
With fiery new playmakers, two new full-backs on the roster and more than £440 million spent, pundits had already tipped Liverpool to defend their Premier League title before a ball had been kicked. However, the reigning champions are currently eighth in the table, with four defeats in their last five games.
Wirtz and Isak have both come under criticism for lack of goalscoring contributions so far, and as a result, Liverpool have been linked with new attacking options.
Liverpool ‘will conduct talks’ with transfer target Antoine Semenyo
According to DaveOCKOP, Liverpool will ‘conduct preliminary talks’ with Premier League rivals Bournemouth this weekend over the potential signing of Antoine Semenyo.
The winger, who has six goals and three assists in 11 league appearances for the Cherries so far this season, is hot property of the Vitality Stadium right now. His impressive performances in recent seasons have attracted significant attention and Liverpool are among his admirers as the January window approaches.
The report claims that any contact from Liverpool is ‘purely exploratory’ right now, as they are looking to ‘gauge the interest and demands’ of both Bournemouth and Semenyo. Any potential pursuit is believed to take place next summer.
The Ghana international is also being eyed by Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. However, despite the links connecting him with another club, Semenyo ‘has not asked to leave’ Bournemouth and he is said to be ‘annoyed’ by claims that he has.
Richard Hughes a ‘strong admirer’ of Liverpool target Antoine Semenyo
While Semenyo is enjoying his football at Bournemouth, who are currently level on points with Liverpool, clubs will likely have their work cut out if they want to convince him to leave.
The Reds have a slight upper-hand with their pursuit though, through the way of Richard Hughes. Liverpool’s sporting director played a key role in bringing Semenyo to Bournemouth during his time there and he reportedly remains a ‘strong admirer’ of the 25-year-old.
Signing Semenyo is not going to be easy, even with the lure of Hughes. The Cherries will reportedly demand in the region of £75 million for their star winger, who penned a new five-year contract with the Cherries over the summer.
Semenyo is now under contract with Bournemouth until 2030 and if reports of him being ‘annoyed’ over recent rumours are true, it seems Liverpool and any other interested party have a big task on their hands to convince both player and club to finalise a transfer.
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