Fabrizio Romano reveals the truth about Liverpool’s interest in Antoine Semenyo | OneFootball

Liverpool Monitor Semenyo Situation as Manchester City Hold Advantage

Liverpool’s long-running interest in Antoine Semenyo has resurfaced amid growing speculation around his future, but the current landscape suggests Merseyside curiosity has yet to translate into concrete action. While enquiries from Anfield have been consistent, the balance of momentum remains elsewhere, with Manchester City firmly positioned as the frontrunners should a deal progress.

This is not a sudden development. Liverpool’s engagement dates back several months, with contact established on the player side as early as November. Those lines of communication have remained open through the festive period and into the opening days of January. However, despite persistent dialogue with representatives, there has been no formal approach to Bournemouth, nor any indication that Liverpool are preparing to activate the release mechanism embedded in Semenyo’s contract.

Semenyo preference shapes current landscape

At the centre of the situation is the player himself. Semenyo’s preference, communicated before Christmas, is understood to be a move to Manchester City. That stance has played a decisive role in shaping how the market has evolved. With a clear destination in mind, City have been able to advance discussions calmly, confident that the player’s intentions align with their plans.

Liverpool’s position, by contrast, remains observational. The club have sought clarity rather than commitment, assessing whether circumstances might shift. As things stand, no such shift has occurred. Bournemouth have not been contacted by Liverpool to discuss terms, structure or timing, a notable absence given the defined parameters of the deal.

Release clause creates compressed timeline

Semenyo’s contract contains a £65 million release clause, valid until January 10. That clause removes the need for drawn-out negotiations between clubs, placing emphasis on player consent and financial readiness. In practical terms, it creates a scenario closer to a free transfer than a traditional sale. If a club meets the clause and the player agrees, the move can proceed swiftly.

Manchester City have already aligned on the financial side with Semenyo, which explains their relaxed approach. Contact with Bournemouth is expected to continue in the coming days as City look to formalise the process and close the deal within the clause window. The short-term nature of the clause adds urgency, but City’s preparation has ensured there is no sense of panic.

For Liverpool, the clock is a factor. Any late intervention would require a decisive shift from monitoring to execution, including immediate communication with Bournemouth and a willingness to move at pace. As of now, that step has not been taken.

Liverpool stance remains exploratory

From Liverpool’s perspective, the interest is genuine but measured. Calls have been made, information gathered and scenarios assessed, yet there is no evidence of an active bid or imminent hijack attempt. This reflects a broader strategic approach, weighing squad needs against market opportunity rather than reacting to external noise.

Should Liverpool decide to escalate, the mechanism is straightforward. Triggering the clause would bypass club negotiations, leaving only the player’s decision as the final hurdle. That remains the key obstacle. With Semenyo aligned toward Manchester City, Liverpool would need to alter that equation quickly and convincingly.

At present, there is no indication that such a shift is underway. Manchester City continue to hold the initiative, Bournemouth await formal execution of the clause, and Liverpool remain on the periphery, informed but inactive.

No wider bidding war at this stage

Elsewhere, there has been speculation about additional clubs entering the picture, but there is no evidence of a broader bidding war developing. Manchester United, for example, are not currently engaged in the Semenyo conversation and are focused on alternative targets through intermediary-led discussions.

That leaves the situation relatively clean and defined. A release clause, a preferred destination, and one club positioned to act. Liverpool’s involvement adds intrigue but not yet substance.

As the January window unfolds, this is a deal shaped less by negotiation and more by timing and intent. For now, Manchester City remain confident, Bournemouth prepared, and Liverpool watchful, aware that if they are to move, it will need to be soon.