Image Credits: Imago Images
As we approach 2026, the January transfer window is shaping up to busier than Arne Slot would have perhaps hoped.
Firstly, more than a few Liverpool loanees could return. The headline worry is Harvey Elliott. His season-long switch to Aston Villa included an obligation to buy for £35 million, but that clause hinged on him making 10 appearances. Frozen out by Unai Emery and stuck on just five games since October, Elliott is now in limbo.
He isn’t alone. Kostas Tsimikas is reportedly facing a similar fate at AS Roma. Having failed to impress Gian Piero Gasperini or secure a regular starting spot, reports from Italy suggest Roma are ready to cut their losses and send the Greek international back to Anfield early to free up squad space. Meanwhile, James McConnell’s development at Ajax has stalled completely; the sacking of John Heitinga left him out of favour, and he hasn’t featured since early November.
While these recalls present a squad management challenge, the real excitement for Reds fans lies in the potential arrival of Antoine Semenyo. The Bournemouth forward is a target, with DaveOCKOP.com exclusively reporting that the Anfield club held talks with the 25-year-old in November.
However, competition is fierce, with Alex Crook of talkSPORT now revealing that Manchester City have held talks with the Cherries winger:
“The Antoine Semenyo situation is going to be a talking point certainly for the first half of January. He has a release clause in his contract that becomes active in the January window. There is a cut-off date halfway through the month before it needs to be activated.”
“We know that Liverpool is keen, Manchester United are in the race as is Tottenham, but I would rank them as outsiders at this point in time.”
“But we can report that Man City have held talks with Antoine Semenyo, so Pep Guardiola very much part of the pursuit as well.”
Antoine Semenyo race hotting up. January move now very likely. Understand #MCFC have held direct talks with the #AFCB winger. #LFC, #MUFC and #THFC also very keen. Spurs seen as outsiders at this stage. More on @talkSPORT from 10am.
— Alex Crook ⚽️🎙 (@alex_crook) December 19, 2025
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