Liverpool retain Semenyo interest as city step up efforts | OneFootball

Liverpool Keep Distance as Manchester City Push Hard for Antoine Semenyo

Liverpool’s name continues to appear around Antoine Semenyo, but Paul Joyce’s reporting for The Times makes one thing clear, this is currently Manchester City’s race to lose. While Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United are all credited with an interest, the momentum is firmly elsewhere, and that speaks volumes about Liverpool’s thinking ahead of a delicate January window.

Joyce reports that “Manchester City have stepped up their efforts to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth and are set to hold meetings with representatives of the in-demand forward in the next 24 hours.” The urgency is driven by both player and market conditions, with Semenyo “keen to make a swift decision on his future and would like to choose his next club before January 1, when the transfer window opens and the £65million release clause in his contract becomes active.”

Semenyo Profile Attracts Interest Across Premier League

There is no mystery around the appeal. Semenyo has “scored his ninth goal of the season on Saturday in Bournemouth’s 4-1 defeat by Brentford” and offers flexibility, physicality and pace. Joyce notes that he “can play up front and on both wings” and is “quick and good in the air,” attributes that naturally attract elite clubs seeking depth and variety in attack.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s interest is acknowledged, with Joyce stating, “Liverpool also retain an interest in the Ghana player, as do Manchester United and Chelsea.” However, that interest has not translated into action. “So far City are the only club to have made contact with Bournemouth,” a crucial distinction at this stage of the process.

Richard Hughes Link Adds Context But Not Urgency

The Liverpool connection is not accidental. “The Liverpool sporting director, Richard Hughes, signed Semenyo for £10million from Bristol City in January 2023 when he held a similar position at Bournemouth.” That background explains why Liverpool are well informed on the player, but familiarity does not guarantee a deal, particularly at a vastly inflated valuation.

January 1 looms large. Joyce writes, “January 1 is regarded as a key day. If City’s interest is not all but concluded by then, it would indicate that interest from elsewhere is being considered.” Liverpool’s history of late interventions is acknowledged, with the reminder that they have “hijacked deals at the 11th hour previously,” yet it is also stressed that “there have been no new developments with regard to the winger, who turns 26 on January 7.”

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s angle, this report feels reassuring rather than frustrating. Semenyo is clearly talented, but £65million in January feels steep for a player who, while versatile, does not immediately solve Liverpool’s biggest issues.

Fans will note the Richard Hughes link and understand why Liverpool are monitoring the situation, but there is also trust that the club will not be drawn into a bidding war simply because rivals are moving. City can absorb that level of risk. Liverpool rarely operate that way.

Slot’s success last season has earned him patience. Many supporters would rather see calculated restraint now than rushed spending that limits flexibility later. If Semenyo goes elsewhere, few will lose sleep, provided Liverpool address their attacking balance in a smarter, more targeted way.

Sometimes the most interesting transfer stories are the ones a club chooses not to pursue.