Journalist: Premier League star won’t be signing for Liverpool in January | OneFootball

Liverpool step back from Semenyo pursuit as Man City accelerate talks

Liverpool’s January thinking continues to take shape, and one of the most talked-about attacking names in the Premier League now appears to be moving firmly out of reach. Despite sustained speculation linking the club with Antoine Semenyo, there is no plan in place to pursue a deal during the current window, with Manchester City increasingly positioned to take control of the situation.

Sources, including BBC journalist Ben Jacobs, indicate that Liverpool’s recruitment team have admired Semenyo’s profile for some time, but admiration has not translated into action this winter. The club’s stance is deliberate rather than reactive, shaped by long-term planning rather than short-term noise.

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Liverpool January stance clarified

Liverpool have not made any formal approach for Semenyo and are not expected to do so before the window closes. Internal assessments suggest that while the Bournemouth forward fits several tactical requirements, January is not viewed as the appropriate moment to move.

This approach reflects a wider recruitment philosophy that has become more pronounced over recent seasons. Liverpool are reluctant to enter inflated mid-season markets unless a player is considered transformational and immediately available at a sensible value. Semenyo, despite his strong output, does not currently meet those conditions from Liverpool’s perspective.

Those close to the process suggest any genuine consideration would be revisited in the summer, when flexibility around squad composition, budgets and outgoings becomes clearer. For now, the club are content to manage attacking options already in place and avoid disrupting the balance mid-campaign.

https://x.com/JacobsBen/status/2005351494506234129

Man City emerge as frontrunners

While Liverpool remain on the sidelines, Manchester City have moved decisively. Dialogue between City and Bournemouth is understood to be progressing, with groundwork already laid around the structure of a potential deal.

City’s interest has sharpened as they look to reinforce wide attacking areas with players capable of operating across multiple roles. Semenyo’s combination of power, direct running and end product has caught the attention of the Etihad recruitment department, and there is confidence that an agreement could be reached if Bournemouth’s valuation is met.

The contrast between Liverpool and Man City is notable. Where Liverpool are prepared to wait, City are acting with urgency, keen to secure depth and versatility during a demanding second half of the season. That divergence has effectively removed Liverpool from the immediate conversation.

Semenyo profile and Bournemouth leverage

At 25, Semenyo is enjoying the most productive spell of his Premier League career. His return of goals and assists has underlined his development into a reliable wide forward, capable of impacting games both in transition and against set defences.

Bournemouth, aware of the growing interest, are under no pressure to sell. The player is integral to their attacking structure and remains under contract, giving the club a strong negotiating position. Any January exit would require a fee reflecting both form and timing, with winter premiums firmly in play.

Liverpool’s recruitment team have assessed these conditions and concluded that patience is preferable. There is a belief that similar profiles could become available later in the year under more favourable circumstances, without the need to enter a bidding environment dominated by rivals.

Bigger picture at Anfield

Liverpool’s decision to stand back is consistent with how they have navigated previous windows. The focus remains on strategic additions rather than opportunistic deals, even when external pressure builds through speculation and rival activity.

There is also an awareness that committing significant resources in January can restrict options later. With several attacking markets expected to open up in the summer, Liverpool are keen to preserve flexibility rather than lock into a deal driven by short-term availability.

For Semenyo, the direction of travel now points towards Manchester City, unless circumstances change dramatically. For Liverpool, the message is clear: admiration does not equal action, and January is not a window for compromise.