Manchester City are reportedly on the brink of being snapped up by Liverpool for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo in a dramatic development that could reshape the January transfer window. Semenyo has long been recognized as one of Arne Slott’s key winter targets.
City are prepared to trigger the £65m release clause in the Ghanaian forward’s contract, but the bold move has caught Liverpool’s hierarchy completely off guard.
Semenyo has been on the radar of Liverpool since the summer, with sporting director Richard Hughes leading the charge. The 25-year-old has been sensational in the Premier League this season, scoring six goals and providing three assists.
The Reds considered Mohamed Salah an ideal addition ahead of his absence from the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
But with City poised to pounce, Liverpool’s recruitment team are under pressure to urgently reassess their winter strategy, sources close to the agency industry have said. catch off side.
Sources close to Anfield say the ‘Plan B’ transfer framework has already been activated, a list of immediate and long-term goals aimed at keeping Liverpool competitive domestically and in Europe.
Liverpool’s list of alternative transfer destinations
Kenan Yildiz (Juventus) – The 18-year-old Turkish sensation has emerged as a genuine long-term target. Yildiz broke the Juventus record previously held by Alessandro Del Piero and is now considered one of Serie A’s brightest young stars. Liverpool see him as a potential investment target, a player who could develop into a world-class attacker under Slott’s guidance. However, Juventus is reluctant to sell midway through the season.
rodrigo (Real Madrid) – Rodrygo Goes, another elite option under consideration, is thought to be open to a move to the Premier League, with his starting role at Real Madrid uncertain. Liverpool have reportedly made informal contact with the Brazil international to gauge interest. His Champions League background and ability to play up front make him an ideal player, but there are still serious doubts as to whether Real Madrid will allow him to be sold.
indian education (Everton) – Perhaps the most practical short-term solution is for Ndiaye to be seen as a comparable replacement for Semenyo. The Senegalese international, currently at Everton, has the speed and creativity to stretch the defence, qualities the slot system relies on. But despite Liverpool’s praise for the player, the cross-city rivalry between Liverpool and Everton makes any approach politically and logistically difficult.
michael orise (Bayern Munich) – The French winger, who joined Bayern Munich last summer, represents Liverpool’s ‘dream signing’ for 2026. Olise’s technical qualities, agility and flair fit the mold of the modern wide forward, making him a potential long-term successor to Salah. However, this remains speculation at this point as Bayern are unlikely to receive an offer until next summer.
Reds response and wider impact
Liverpool’s response to Semenyo’s potential takeover will likely determine the January transfer window.
Hughes and Slott are believed to be in constant contact with ownership group Fenway Sports Group (FSG) to secure funding for marquee reinforcements, particularly given the need to maintain momentum in the Premier League title race and Champions League knockout stages.
If City complete the deal, it will add a new chapter to the fierce rivalry between the two clubs, which will only intensify on the pitch and in the transfer market.
For now, Liverpool’s focus remains clear. Whether it’s Yildiz, Rodrygo, Ndiaye or Oliseh, the Reds intend to move quickly and decisively to fill the gap in the shape of Semenyo before the start of January games, ensuring their attack remains deadly in Salah’s absence.
Source: Liverpool to make €60m bid for ‘extraordinary’ midfielder
