“Everything I’m hearing…” – Journalist reveals the truth behind Liverpool’s interest in Antoine Semenyo | OneFootball

Liverpool transfer news: Antoine Semenyo looks destined for Manchester City as January window opens

With Mohamed Salah away at AFCON and attacking depth under scrutiny, some supporters expected Liverpool to trigger the £65m release clause for AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo when the window opens in a couple of days. The recent 2-1 win over Spurs also brought a subplot, with Alexander Isak suffering a broken leg, and that only fuelled the idea of a swift move.

The latest insight points in a different direction. Credit to David Lynch, who spoke to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, for the original podcast discussion that framed this story.

David Lynch stance on Liverpool interest in Semenyo

David Lynch on the reports that Liverpool could hijack Man City’s move to sign AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo in January: “I’d be surprised and I’ve been consistent on that all the way through this.”“I’ve never been given encouragement that Liverpool would sign him. He’s definitely a player that they like and have looked at, but I can’t see them pulling the trigger and making the deal happen.”“It would be a big shock to me if Liverpool do sign him from here because everything that I am hearing is that they’re not in for him at the moment.”“The Alexander Isak injury doesn’t seem to have changed their stance either, so I’m expecting Man City to have a free run at him.”

That “like and have looked at” line lands as familiar recruitment language. Liverpool can rate a player without treating him as the January priority, and the emphasis that they are “not in for him at the moment” reads like a separator between interest and intent.

Arne Slot priorities with Liverpool sitting fourth

Arne Slot won the Premier League title in his debut season, yet Liverpool currently sit fourth this season, which raises questions about reinforcements. Still, Liverpool’s recent approach has been selective in winter, solving specific problems rather than paying a January premium for a name.

If the club believe Salah’s absence can be covered through rotation and coaching, then spending £65m now could be seen as sacrificing summer flexibility, especially when the long term squad build is the bigger target.

Why Manchester City are positioned to land Semenyo

If Semenyo is set to join Manchester City, it likely reflects groundwork done well before the window. City can move quickly once the pathway is clear, and their finances allow them to add quality without it becoming a structural dilemma.

What to watch as the window begins

Expect Liverpool to be linked with forwards who can cover multiple roles, particularly wide options who can carry threat without dominating the ball. Also watch for pragmatic moves, such as loans or internal promotions, that reveal how Slot plans to bridge AFCON. For now, the reporting points to a straightforward takeaway, Liverpool admire Semenyo, but Manchester City are best placed to sign him.