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Liverpool was long thought to be the preferred destination for Antoine Semenyo, but could the Bournemouth flyer make an early transfer window move?
Liverpool will strengthen again in January with Arne Slot looking for quality and depth in a variety of positions.
Injury to Cody Gakpo and the African Cup of Nations enforced absence of Mohamed Salah has highlighted just how short of wide attacking options the Reds boss really is with a winger being one of Richard Hughes’ priorities over the next two windows. Yan Diomande has been linked but it is Antoine Semenyo who is attracting all the headlines after reportedly agreeing personal terms with Liverpool only for Man City to emerge as favourites for the Bournemouth winger’s signature.
Liverpool could hijack Man City move for Semenyo
According to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel, there could be a twist in the transfer tale: “Indeed, it still remains to be seen as to whether Liverpool formalise their interest in Semenyo following the injury suffered by Alexander Isak. The Anfield club are among five sides who have enquired about the Ghana international, alongside City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea.
“Despite City's acceleration, well-placed sources have indicated that Liverpool retain an interest in the attacker, with the transfer window due to open on 1 January. As things stand, City are the only club to have made formal club-to-club contact with Bournemouthabout Semenyo, although Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has close links to the south-coast club have worked at the Vitality Stadium.”
Liverpool are long-reported to have an interest in Semenyo but Pep Guardiola’s frustration with a lack of goals from his wide players has seen him do what Coty normally does, reach for the chequebook. Semenyo’s £65m release clause makes negotiations easy and a quick deal is possible for whoever moves the quickest. Semenyo, it is claimed, would be happy to move to Anfield or the Etihad.
What might be the deciding factor for Semenyo?
What Liverpool’s recent form has shown is that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done in Liverpool’s new-look side. Diomande might be the more exciting option but for £87m, his release clause is considerably more than Semenyo’s to the extent that there is enough room to sign someone else like Marc Guehi or Ruben Neves if the Ghana international is targeted.
Semenyo has come through a lean patch in emphatic fashion scoring his third goal in as many games despite Bournemouth’s dip in form after not scoring for seven. Liverpool could do with his pace, finishing ability and work rate, especially with Jeremie Frimpong’s return to fitness providing more balance on the right and another attacking threat. The one difference between City and Liverpool in the negotiating process is that the 25-year old will start more games in red than he would in light blue, what his priorities are could be clear as early as the 1st of January.
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