Liverpool and Manchester City are both reported to be in for the same January target.placeholder image
Liverpool and Manchester City are both reported to be in for the same January target. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool may have received a boost in their attempts to secure a major January transfer target
Liverpool are approaching the January transfer window amidst a period of uncertainty, as the fall-out of an intense situation involving Mohamed Salah continues and questions remain about the future of head coach Arne Slot.
The Reds lie in the midst of mid-table in the Premier League, but rose back into the Champions League top eight with a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Inter Milan on Tuesday night.
The debate over the future of Salah will no doubt go raging on into the January transfer window. Meanwhile, potential successors to the great Egyptian have been lined up for some time and one signing could be coming closer to becoming a reality, with a key Anfield transfer update coming to light.
Liverpool join Man City in ‘agreeing terms’ with Antoine Semenyo
According to reports by Caught Offside, Liverpool have ‘agreed personal terms’ with Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, matching rival suitors Manchester City’s offer to the 25-year-old after the Cityzens had reportedly previously agreed terms.
The two Premier League giants have shared the last eight league titles between them, and are believed to be the two front-runners for Semenyo in January. The Ghana international has a £65million release clause become active on January 1, but the report reveals that ‘top sources’ say this clause is only valid for the early part of the window until January 10.
Both sides are evidently looking to get their business done early, with Liverpool now having ‘reached an agreement’ with the player, leaving it down to his ‘personal preference’ as he chooses between a move to Anfield or to the Etihad Stadium, provided both clubs can match the cited release clause. This looks set to be a leading transfer story which will no doubt come to life as soon as the window opens for business.
Semenyo could be Liverpool’s Salah replacement in waiting
Ghana will not be competing in this year’s AFCON and so Semenyo will be available to play and could be given the opportunity to replace Salah in the side if he were to sign in the New Year. This would create a massive situation for Slot and the club hierarchy to resolve when the 33-year-old returns later in the month – if he does at all.
But Liverpool have been strongly linked with Semenyo irrespective of Salah’s recent comments, and so it would come as no surprise if they make a serious ploy for the former Bristol City man as soon as the window opens on January 1.
The Cherries forward has registered 28 goals and 13 assists in 104 appearances for the club since making the step up from the Championship in January 2023, with his stocks rising rapidly in a short space of time. It would be no surprise to see Semenyo fighting for the biggest trophies in the near future, all that remains to be seen is who will ultimately win the battle for his signature.
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