Tottenham 1-2 Liverpool: Match Review
Liverpool have been among the clubs linked with a move for Antoine Semenyo.
Liverpool opted against presenting Antoine Semenyo with an official offer, reports suggest.
The winger is expected to leave AFC Bournemouth in the coming days as reward for his hurtling progress. This season, Semenyo has been one of the best players in the Premier League. He has recorded eight goals and three assists in 16 appearances for the Cherries.
Although he signed a new contract last summer, it has a £65 million release clause that becomes active on January 1. As a result, several clubs have been showing an interest in signing the Ghana international.
Liverpool have been linked for several weeks amid Mo Salah’s future being uncertain, while a long-term successor for the Egypt international is required. With Alexander Isak suffering a broken leg, a move for Semenyo would bolster Arne Slot’s attacking options for the second half of the campaign.
However, several reports suggest that the 25-year-old is heading towards a switch to Manchester City, with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea also credited with an interest. BBC Sportsuggests City have made ‘positive progress’.
Liverpool interest
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool made contact with Bournemouth last month to get the details of Semenyo’s release clause. However, it’s said that the Reds have not followed up their enquiries.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “In November, Liverpool called - it was the second half of November - to ask about Semenyo. The release clause, £65 million, payment terms, can we negotiate, , how would that work? Liverpool wanted to understand the general situation of Semenyo from Bournemouth and the player's side but then they didn't follow up.
“Liverpool always called to be informed because the relationship between Liverpool and Bournemouth is very good but they didn't follow up with a bid even after the injury to Alexander Isak. They always called also this week to understand this week but never presented anything official to the player.”
Will Liverpool use the January transfer window to sign new forward?
Ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Wolves, Slot was asked if he could use the January transfer window to add to his options. Isak is set to be sidelined for at least two months having undergone surgery, while Salah is representing Egypt at the African Cup of Nations.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Reds head coach said: “I think my first and only thoughts are on the upcoming two games. Two difficult ones again, two home games, that's really nice. So I think it's the time for the players we do have available to do what they have done so many times, to roll their sleeves up.
“Not only our players but our fans as well, to help us in the best possible way to get the results we want in the upcoming two games, because therefore the players that are available need to give everything they have. As the fans – as they usually do and I expect them to do again as well – will help us. That is where my focus is on.”
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