Liverpool told to pay over £75m to complete dream transfer – Journalist | OneFootball

Semenyo Interest Growing as Liverpool Monitor Bournemouth Star

Credit to Lewis Steele for The Daily Mail for the original reporting that has sparked fresh discussion around the future of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo. The Ghana international is in the form of his Premier League career and it is no surprise that top clubs are circling ahead of 2025.

Liverpool Confidential reported that insiders believe the Premier League champions are among several clubs tracking the 25 year old. As one source stated, “£75m is around the figure Bournemouth would be looking for in the summer” for Semenyo, who has six goals and three assists in eight league games this season.

Any mid season deal seems almost impossible at this stage. Bournemouth would be “extremely reluctant to entertain a conversation around selling Semenyo in January” and would only consider talks next summer, reflecting their strong hand in negotiations.

Photo: IMAGO

Rising Value and Bournemouth Context

Semenyo’s surge in output has shifted the conversation around his ceiling. He is not only scoring, he is consistently influencing games with direct running, end product and the physical profile elite clubs covet. As the Daily Mail piece highlighted, Bournemouth are “in a strong financial position” after significant sales, including Milos Kerkez to Liverpool, and sit fourth in the table with realistic European ambitions under Andoni Iraola.

That context matters. Bournemouth have little incentive to sell and would require what one source called “an astronomical offer” to even listen in January. A fee north of £75 million by the summer is realistic, and that number could rise further if Semenyo maintains his current rate.

There is also intrigue around a possible release clause becoming active in 2026. At present, this “remains unconfirmed”, which adds another layer of uncertainty to how interested clubs might time their approach.

Clubs Keeping Watch

Tottenham and Manchester United tested the waters in the summer but “were quoted big figures”. Chelsea are thought to admire Semenyo, while Bayern Munich could enter the conversation depending on how their interest in Michael Olise develops.

Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes knows the player well from signing him for Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023 and still “retains good relations with his former club”. That personal link makes Liverpool a club to keep an eye on should the Reds choose to strengthen their forward line.

Liverpool’s Attack and Potential Fit

Liverpool “thought about signing Semenyo last summer but decided against buying a wide forward, not wanting to block the progress of young Rio Ngumoha”. It was a strategic call with academy pathways in mind, although the opening months of the season have exposed a slight lack of depth in the wide roles.

Semenyo’s profile would complement Liverpool’s current forward options, with his ability to play across the frontline, his powerful ball carrying and his goal output matching key data led recruitment trends at Anfield.

Our View, Anfield Index Analysis

Semenyo feels like the type of player Liverpool typically monitor for a year before committing. The interest here makes sense and Liverpool fans should not ignore the connection with Richard Hughes. The current sporting director previously championed Semenyo’s signing at Bournemouth and that familiarity could accelerate discussions if Liverpool decide to act.

However, the price will be the sticking point. Supporters may question whether spending £75 million or more on a wide forward is the best use of funds when Liverpool might prioritise a top level holding midfielder or long term successor planning for Mohamed Salah. If Semenyo continues delivering double figures for goals and assists, the value case becomes clearer.

There is also excitement around Rio Ngumoha, so supporters will be watching how the club balances investment in proven talent with the pathway for elite youngsters. Many Liverpool fans will be attracted to Semenyo’s robust style, pressing work rate and his knack for big moments. If he continues performing at this level, this link will gather momentum well before next summer.