Antoine Semenyo is a clear target for Liverpool ahead of the January transfer window.
The Reds are seemingly not quite finished adding firepower to their attack despite the big-money arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.
Semenyo may well be the missing puzzle piece Arne Slot has been searching for having failed to sign a direct replacement for Luis Diaz over the summer.
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It has been revealed that the Bournemouth winger has a £65m release clause which will become active in January, making him an attractive option to Liverpool.
However, with Semenyo in good form this season, the relatively low price of a potential deal means the Reds are not the only club interested.
As teams begin to position themselves for the winter window, journalist David Ornstein has evaluated the teams in with the best chance of landing Semenyo.
Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Bournemouth at Etihad Stadium
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Liverpool have a one in three chance for Antoine Semenyo
Having seen him hit six goals and three assists so far in the Premier League this season, it is no surprise to learn that Semenyo has some top-level admirers heading into another transfer window.
According to Ornstein, there are three clubs currently most likely to sign the Ghanaian. Happily for those Liverpool fans keen on his addition, the Reds are one of them.
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“It sounds like Liverpool have a firm interest,” the journalist told The Athletic FC podcast. “They didn’t replace Luis Diaz in the summer, they don’t want to block Rio Ngumoha’s pathway but perhaps an acquisition of Semenyo’s level would work.
“That’s an interesting one to watch. Richard Hughes signed him from Bristol City to Bournemouth so there’s a clear link there.”
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“Anfield was scary. I scored, I did a back-flip at the Kop end. I’m thinking ‘I’ve got them rattled.’ They’re clapping, celebrating, pushing the team on even more. I’m thinking ‘oh my god.’”
Antoine Semenyo on the best stadium he ever played at.
Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth celebrates scoring during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Bournemouth at Elland Road
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
“But we don’t know because there will be others contending as well. Man City are credited with an interest. Tottenham [too].
“For the time being, from the many conversations I’ve had, those seem to be the three teams genuinely in the frame. The industry is telling us so far that if there is to be a move it’s sounding more like a Liverpool, Man City, Tottenham direction of travel, subject to change.”
Fabrizio Romano offers Semenyo update
As well as Ornstein, fellow journalist Fabrizio Romano also felt it worthwhile to post about Semenyo’s ongoing saga on Thursday.
“The release clause to get Antoine Semenyo in January is worth £60m fixed fee plus £5m add-ons,” Romano reiterated on X.
“Bournemouth would love to keep him until June when clause drops for around £50m… but not their decision. Liverpool are seriously interested.”
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Reading between the lines on this one, it does appear likely that Liverpool are leading the race to sign Semenyo.
The presence of a release clause and the fact that Hughes already knows the player should make it a fairly straightforward deal from there.
Other clubs will no doubt push from their side, but unless the wages in question are higher than Liverpool are willing to pay, it seems safe to say there’s a good chance of this one happening as things stand.