Manchester City have emerged as Antoine Semenyo’s preferred destination this January, which means both Liverpool and other Premier League clubs, who had hoped to sign the Ghanaian forward, must return to the drawing board.
Liverpool were seen as among several potential candidates to land Semenyo next month, and the 25-year-old’s arrival would have been a significant boost to Arne Slot’s depleted squad.
The Dutch tactician could be without Mohamed Salah until mid-January, with the Egyptian away at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Alexander Isak is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a worrying injury last weekend.
With a move for Semenyo out of contention, Liverpool still appear to have other options on the market that could suit Slot’s plans.
Bradley Barcola Could Succeed Salah
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According to reports, the defending Premier League champions have identified Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola as another wide forward option ahead of January.
Liverpool reportedly view the Frenchman as a direct successor to Salah, having 'begun background work' to replace the Egyptian, and have closely monitored Barcola amid his limited playing time at PSG.
With the Champions League winners boasting the likes of Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the wings, Barcola is seen as third-choice behind the duo.
It is believed that Liverpool could lure the 23-year-old to Anfield by offering him a more prominent role in the squad, although PSG may have other plans for the wide forward.
The Parisian side are reportedly looking to tie Barcola to fresh terms, with his current contract expiring at the end of the 2027/28 season.
A move for Barcola, praised as 'one of the best wingers in the world', could prove less of a risk for Liverpool than Semenyo, considering the Frenchman’s extensive top-level experience at both club and international level.
Barcola’s PSG Career So Far
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Barcola played an important role in PSG’s historic 2024/25 campaign, helping Luis Enrique’s side lift Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Champions League titles.
The 23-year-old scored 21 goals and provided 18 assists in 58 appearances across all competitions – only Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele registered more goal involvements (46) for PSG last term.
Barcola joined PSG from fellow Ligue 1 side Lyon in the summer of 2022 and has lifted nine major trophies during his time at the club so far.
The Frenchman was also included in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year and helped PSG finish as runners-up at the FIFA Club World Cup in July.
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