£65m forward told not to join Liverpool in January | OneFootball

Liverpool weigh Antoine Semenyo option as rivals circle

Liverpool’s forward planning rarely unfolds quietly and the emerging interest in Antoine Semenyo is another reminder of how closely recruitment, reputation and timing are intertwined. With the January transfer window approaching, Bournemouth’s winger has become a name spoken with increasing frequency across the Premier League. A release clause believed to be worth around £65m is due to become active, immediately placing Semenyo within reach of several elite clubs.

For Liverpool, the logic is clear enough. Mohamed Salah’s long term future remains unresolved and succession planning has been a recurring theme at Anfield. Semenyo’s profile fits the modern demands of a wide forward, powerful, direct and capable of stretching defences. Yet interest alone does not guarantee alignment, and the debate around where Semenyo would thrive is gathering pace.

Tottenham are expected to fall away from the race, but Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool remain closely linked. That competition frames the question not of talent, but of suitability.

Paul Merson raises doubts over Anfield fit

Writing in his Sportskeeda column, Paul Merson offered a perspective that will resonate with supporters who value tactical nuance as much as transfer intrigue. His argument was not centred on Liverpool’s quality, which he acknowledged, but on the specific demands placed on wide players at Anfield.

He wrote: “Liverpool have been linked with wanting to sign him, but is that the perfect club for him? More teams have a go at Manchester United than Liverpool and there is a lot of space on the pitch at Old Trafford.

“When was the last time Salah went one-on-one with the goalkeeper? It doesn’t happen often with teams’ strategy against Liverpool. Semenyo is a willing runner, but he enjoys space on the pitch. Even though Liverpool are a better team than Manchester United, I ain’t so sure he fits perfectly at Anfield! There will also be the added pressure of replacing Salah.”

It is a familiar argument. Liverpool’s dominance often compresses the pitch, leaving little room behind defences. Wingers are required to operate in tight areas, combine quickly and show patience as much as penetration. Semenyo’s game, at its best, thrives on space and momentum.

Photo: IMAGO

Pressure and profile shape Semenyo decision

Replacing Salah is not a simple footballing task. It carries symbolic weight, statistical expectation and relentless scrutiny. Merson’s point about pressure should not be dismissed lightly. At Manchester United, space arrives through chaos and transition. At Liverpool, space must be earned through control.

That distinction matters. Semenyo’s next move will define his trajectory, whether he becomes a focal point in a rebuilding attack or a cog within a finely tuned machine. Liverpool offer structure, clarity and sustained success. United offer opportunity, exposure and a different kind of responsibility.

From Liverpool’s perspective, the question is whether Semenyo adds variety or simply duplication. Recruitment under Arne Slot has leaned toward adaptability and intelligence, traits that must complement physical gifts.

Paul Merson backs Liverpool in Tottenham clash

Merson also turned his attention to the weekend’s meeting with Tottenham Hotspur, predicting a comfortable outcome for Liverpool. Aligning with Jamie Carragher, he backed a 3 to 1 away win in North London.

His focus then shifted to selection, particularly in attack. Merson urged Slot to start Hugo Ekitike ahead of Alexander Isak, pointing to preparation and rhythm as decisive factors.

Merson wrote: “Hugo Ekitike has to start ahead of Alexander Isak in this game.

“When we look at Isak’s struggles, it just reminds us how important it is to have a proper pre-season. Liverpool could be in the top four or top five if they win, so they should play Ekitike.”

It was a reminder that form, fitness and context matter as much as reputation. The same logic applies to Semenyo. Talent opens doors, but fit decides whether they stay open.