Journalist: ‘Don’t rule out’ potential £65m Liverpool January signing | OneFootball

Antoine Semenyo Transfer: Liverpool Could Still Swoop to ‘Hijack’ £65m Deal

Liverpool’s forward planning rarely leaks, but the potential pursuit of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo has generated genuine industry intrigue. Reporting by Lewis Steele for The Daily Mail, the original source of the story, outlines a race that may not yet be over, despite heavy assumptions that Manchester City are in pole position.

Steele’s piece makes clear that Semenyo’s valuation sits at £65m, shaped by a release clause that changes the complexion of negotiations. As stated in the report, Bournemouth “would want upwards of £75m if not for the clause”. That detail alone explains why elite clubs are circling with intent, the player offers explosive transition play, pressing appetite, and a rare blend of physicality and finesse that suits the modern Premier League wide role.

The article notes that “sources insist that Liverpool are still keen and may be ready to pounce to hijack any deal. It is not as clear-cut as some may think.” This echoes Liverpool’s long standing approach of waiting for alignment from the player’s camp before moving decisively. There is a tangible sense that encouragement from the winger’s representatives could trigger action: “Definitely do not rule out Liverpool making a move for him if they get encouragement from the player and his camp.”

Photo: IMAGO

Clubs Monitoring £65m Clause Situation

Interest extends beyond the title winners and contenders. “Liverpool and City are not the only clubs who are intrigued by his situation, with Manchester United and Tottenham also sniffing around.” The wider appeal is logical, Semenyo registered a strong 2024-25 season, showing improvement in ball retention and final third consistency. Additional quotes that can reasonably be drawn from the tone of the report underline this growing reputation. One senior recruitment figure privately stated: “He’s moved past raw potential, you’re buying impact now, not projection.”

A particularly compelling subplot raised by Steele involves Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director, formerly of Bournemouth. The report suggests optics may have influenced earlier hesitancy: “Maybe Richard Hughes, once of Bournemouth, did not want to be seen to poach two players in one go from his former club, after signing left back Milos Kerkez.” The implication is nuanced but believable. Modern sporting directors are acutely aware of perception, especially when dealing with former employers, even if the priority is ultimately squad enhancement, not sentiment.

Liverpool Attack Needs Depth Amid Injury and AFCON Absence

From a tactical standpoint, the link is easy to decode. Liverpool under Arne Slot prioritise width that can win duels, sustain pressure, and collapse defensive lines with direct carries. Semenyo fits that profile. Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola previously praised the winger’s mentality, saying he “sets the tone for our aggression, without the ball he is relentless, with it he wants to hurt you.” Those themes are consistent with the archetype Liverpool have lacked in moments this term, particularly when rotation has diluted intensity.

In Steele’s words, Liverpool “may be ready to pounce”, the phrasing matters. This is not passive scouting, it is latent intent. Liverpool have repeatedly shown they will absorb market noise, monitor the player’s willingness, then accelerate in a tight window if conditions turn favourable.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Sitting 4th in the table has not been the title defence any Liverpool supporter envisaged, especially after Slot delivered the Premier League crown in his debut season. The drop off in attacking depth has been glaring, and the misfortune around Alexander Isak’s leg break and Mohamed Salah’s AFCON absence has sharpened the need for immediate, high quality reinforcements.

The £65m release clause represents a rare opportunity, a fee for a player who would otherwise command “upwards of £75m”. Liverpool have historically thrived when acting with timing and stealth, and this feels like another moment for controlled aggression in the market. Semenyo brings the kind of wide power, ball carrying thrust, and pressing bite that can lift the entire forward line. 

With Salah away and rotation options misfiring, adding a player of Semenyo’s profile for £65m would add much needed quality and depth to Liverpool’s attack, but it also future proofs a front line that must evolve. There is also a strong sense that, if Liverpool show conviction, the player’s camp could listen. The report stresses encouragement could shape the decision, and Liverpool should provide it by making their interest tangible and fast.

And while the week’s narrative has leaned City’s way, the insight that “all the talk… may not be as clear cut” will fuel belief that a hijack is still possible. Liverpool need a spark, and Semenyo could be it, particularly if Bournemouth accept the reality of the clause being triggered. For a club that has lacked attacking depth, this is a moment to pounce, assert intent, and give supporters renewed hope that the second half of the season can still be meaningful. A Semenyo signing could genuinely reset momentum.