Liverpool supporters were given hope of a January deal for Antoine Semenyo after rumours of a late swoop to beat Manchester City to the Ghanaian surfaced on Sunday.
The Reds look in need of some more firepower this New Year, and there is an expectation among the fanbase that a new attacker will arrive.
Semenyo had looked like a prime candidate for that until it emerged that the 25-year-old had a preference for joining City.
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Why do Liverpool fans want Antoine Semenyo to replace Cody Gakpo?
Gakpo easily betters him in key metrics!
Cody Gakpo in action during Liverpool's Premier League match against Crystal Palace. Antoine Semenyo pictured while playing for Bournemouth in the Premier League against Fulham at the Vitality Stadium.
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Ryan Pierse/Liverpool FC. Stats correct as of 19/12/25
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However, things took a turn at the weekend after reports emerged that Liverpool could make a late hijack attempt for Semenyo.
This has prompted transfer expert Fabrizio Romano into action, with the Italian taking to his YouTube channel to explain the reality of the situation ahead of a big 72 hours.
Man City still confident of landing Antoine Semenyo
Due to his ability to play off either wing and even through the middle of the attack, Semenyo could be the ideal attacker for Liverpool to add to their ranks.
According to Romano, though, the Reds have still not taken their interest in the Ghana international to the next level, leaving City as clear favourites with days before the window opens.
Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Bournemouth at Etihad Stadium
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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“On this Sunday we had stories coming from England about Liverpool trying to hijack the deal for Antoine Semenyo. What’s the situation now? Let me explain this story for you,” said the journalist.
“Liverpool have always been calling for Semenyo, they started calling in November, they continued calling before Christmas and they kept on calling during the recent days to understand the situation. But I can guarantee to you that as of Sunday night – I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow – so far Liverpool have never approached Bournemouth to start the conversation. This didn’t happen because as of today the player’s preference is to go to Manchester City.
“City remain convinced that Semenyo wants to join them, they remain relaxed about the situation. Liverpool are calling on the player’s side, agents, to understand the situation but at the moment it’s just about calls. Man City have an agreement with Semenyo and they are talking with Bournemouth.”
With Antoine Semenyo looking unlikely, which forward should Liverpool sign instead?
They need someone to fill in for Isak 🤕
Antoine Semenyo stood with his hands on his hips during Bournemouth's Premier League match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA).
Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA
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Will Liverpool sign someone else instead?
Liverpool are clearly interested in signing Semenyo, and this appears to be a case of trying to convince the player that his future is best served at Anfield.
Should they do that in the coming three days, only then are they likely to approach Bournemouth.
For now, it is hard to see that happening. Semenyo reportedly wants his future sorted by the time the window opens this Thursday, giving Liverpool a very small amount of time to change his mind.
Instead, the Reds will be better off looking at different options available to them this January. They obviously want another attacker if at all possible, but are unlikely to sign a player for the sake of it.
It remains to be seen whether it was Semenyo or bust for Liverpool this summer, but as of yet there are no firm suggestions that they will target an alternative.
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