Liverpool have suffered a blow in their efforts to sign Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, with one of their Premier League rivals now reportedly in the race to sign him next year.
The Cherries winger has been such an impressive performer over the past couple of years, scoring three goals against the Reds, including two at Anfield this season.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Semenyo plenty of times of late, with a January transfer even mooted, as Arne Slot looks for much-needed attacking depth in his squad.
But now, according to talkSPORT‘s Alex Crook, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is a “big admirer” of the 25-year-old, suggesting they could be in the mix to sign him ahead of the reigning Premier League champions.
Semenyo has a reported £60m release clause that can be triggered in the January transfer window.
Liverpool must beat Man City to Semenyo signing
Missing out on Semenyo would be a big setback for Liverpool, with the Ghanaian a fantastic option to come in as an upgrade on Cody Gakpo.
That’s not to say that Gakpo can’t remain an important squad player but his form has been frustrating this season, with only three assists coming his way in 16 appearances and just three goals in 12 Premier League appearances.
In comparison, Semenyo has six goals in 11 league outings, while Guardiola himself has spoken of his respect for him recently, saying:
“He’s an extraordinary, extraordinary, extraordinary player! His energy, his confidence, his movement – unbelievable. He doesn’t stop running, he attacks space so well, and when he has the ball, you feel something will happen. He’s improving every game. Players like him make this league special – always hungry, always brave.”
While City’s interest doesn’t appear to be too concrete, the fact that Guardiola rates him so highly has to be a concern, and Liverpool must do all they can to pip their rivals to his signature.
The Bournemouth hero has pace, power, and most importantly, consistent end product, and he can give the Reds the injection of attacking class they need midway through the season, as Luis Diaz did when he arrived back in January 2022.