Liverpool still frontrunners to sign Premier League star | OneFootball

Liverpool push ahead in pursuit of Semenyo as Bournemouth brace for interest

Liverpool’s winter plans are beginning to take shape once again, and the focus has shifted firmly towards an attacking reinforcement. With the squad still adjusting after a record-breaking summer of turnover, the club’s recruitment team are preparing to move swiftly for a Premier League forward whose reputation continues to grow at pace.

The summer’s investment exceeded £400m, partially offset by more than £200m recouped through outgoing transfers, marking the most expensive window in Liverpool’s history. Yet despite the financial outlay and significant changes across the squad, several areas remain unresolved. Recent performances have underlined that further refinement is required, with senior figures at the club weighing up which roles still need strengthening before the season’s decisive stages.

Among the priorities is a wide option capable of operating on both flanks. The departure of Luis Díaz in the previous window created a void that has not yet been filled, and the club’s need for an additional winger has become increasingly clear. With Mohamed Salah due to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations at the turn of the year, the requirement grows still more pressing.

Semenyo emerges as leading Liverpool target

Liverpool appear ready to act. According to a report in The i, they have moved into pole position for Antoine Semenyo, who has enjoyed an outstanding season with Bournemouth. The forward’s contract includes a release clause that becomes active in 2026, set at £65m for the January window before reducing to £60m in the summer.

Manchester City are also admirers, but their preference is believed to be a summer move. Liverpool, however, are assessing the value of acting sooner, giving them an advantage at this stage. With squad depth tested and attacking balance still not fully restored, the possibility of securing Semenyo ahead of schedule is under serious discussion.

Bournemouth prepare for mounting pressure

For Bournemouth, Semenyo’s form has been both a boost and a concern. His progress has been integral to their development under Andoni Iraola, with his direct running, improved end product and versatility across the front line making him one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season. Yet those same qualities now place him at the centre of growing interest from the division’s elite.

Liverpool’s interest is rooted not only in his output and adaptability but also in his status as a homegrown player, adding further appeal at a time when squad registration rules are increasingly influential in long-term planning.

Financial logic strengthens Liverpool’s stance

A fee of £65m for a player entering his prime years, contributing consistently and still showing headroom for improvement is viewed within Liverpool as a rare opportunity. Recruitment staff are conscious of the financial landscape of the modern market, where elite forwards typically command significantly higher valuations.

Given the tactical flexibility Semenyo offers, and the immediate need for depth in wide areas, Liverpool’s position at the front of the queue could harden further as January approaches. Discussions are expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with Bournemouth waiting to see whether the Merseyside club trigger their next step or opt to revive talks later in the season.

For Liverpool, the decision may be straightforward. The squad rebuild remains ongoing, and securing a high-performing Premier League forward ahead of competitors aligns with their strategic aims. Whether they act decisively this winter will shape not only their attacking options but also the trajectory of their broader renewal.