Liverpool have been linked with a move for AFC Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo in the January transfer window, as they continue to struggle in the Premier League - but their funds could be better spent elsewhere
Antoine Semenyo reacts
Liverpool may not choose to pursue Antoine Semenyo in January
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Scott Minto believes that Liverpool should avoid signing Antoine Semenyo in the January transfer window and go all-in for Marc Guehi. Arne Slot has struggled to find his stride in the Premier League this season, with the heart of Liverpool's defence proving particularly problematic.
The side have shipped 20 goals thus far, with their previously impenetrable defence of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate looking far weaker in 2025/26 for one reason or another. Elsewhere, summer signing Milos Kerkez has suffered teething problems since his £40million switch from Bournemouth this summer, while Jeremie Frimpong has been plagued by hamstring injury.
As a result of the latter's issues, the Reds have been forced to utilise the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai as a makeshift right-back to compensate. The club have also been hampered by an inability to create and put away chances this term, despite major acquisitions in the form of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.
And while some may be quick to point the finger of blame at Slot's strike force as the catalyst of their qualms this term, others have highlighted how the back line may need further investment when the transfer window re-opens. Speaking on talkSPORT this week, Sam Matterface asked Minto and Alex Crook why they would be tempted to splurge on Crystal Palace skipper Guehi in January, given he will be available as a free agent in the summer.
To which, Minto replied: "Because questions are being asked now. Are they even going to finish in the top four? But lets see, he’s not just a short-term fix, he’s an £80million footballer.
"He's an £80million pound footballer that they could have got for £35million but for things going on elsewhere, and if they had put down £40m, £45m they probably would have got him straight away. And yet what do we think the problems are with Liverpool right now?"
Crook then added: "I don't think Liverpool are in any kind of financial situation because they went for a couple of transfer windows didn't they? Didn't spend anything, and actually you look at their net spend which is what I was talking about…Their net spend in this summer transfer window was £218million pound less than Arsenal so I think they have got the funds."
Marc Guehi looks on
Liverpool may be wise to revisit their pursuit of Marc Guehi
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To which, Minto explained: "So I would I would bring in Marc Guehi rather than Antoine Semenyo," before Crook asked: "Because Van Dijk and Konate have been vulnerable?” The former Chelsea and West Ham star then replied: "Absolutely."
Liverpool chased Guehi's signature this summer in a deal which very nearly looked like going through until the eleventh hour. While Liverpool looked to have snagged a deadline day transfer for the England international to the tune of £35m, Palace eventually blocked the move as a result of struggling to find a replacement in time.
Should Liverpool ditch their endeavours of signing Semenyo in favour of trying to strike a deal for Guehi, it would be fantastic news for Manchester United fans. The Red Devils were also linked with the Ghanaian over the course of the summer, before he ultimately committed his future to the Cherries in a new deal which should keep him at the Vitality Stadium until 2030.
However, it was recently reported that Bournemouth may be powerless in fending off interest from potential suitors in January, given Semenyo's contract is said to hold a £65m release clause which can be activated by any club. While United bolstered their attacking line with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko this summer, they could still seek further firepower as they look to qualify for European football for 2026/27.
And given Semenyo's impressive haul of six goals from 11 games this season, they may opt to pick up where they left off in tailing the 25-year-old this summer when the January transfer window blows open.
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