The majority of pundits across the country expected Liverpool to retain the Premier League title after spending a reported £446m on new players in the summer transfer window.
With the additions of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, the division twice broke the Reds’ transfer record, subsequently sending a huge message to the rest of the division.
But Arn Slott has so far failed to find a winning formula with big-money reinforcements, as the club’s recent form in England’s top flight shows.
His side have lost six of their last seven league games, and the poor performance has seen them drop in the standings, with any chance of winning back the trophy all but extinguished by the end of May.
However, their latest ambitions in the transfer market have not been thwarted, with a number of high-profile players being linked with a winter move to Anfield.
Liverpool are looking for new players in January
In recent weeks, Liverpool are just one of the sides being linked with the possibility of signing AZ Alkmaar wonderland Kees Smit in the next slot.
The Dutch attacking midfielder has made a huge impact so far in the 2025/26 season, going on to make 19 appearances in all competitions, scoring a total of six goals and assists.
The 19-year-old is reported to have a £25m price tag, with other teams including Real Madrid and Manchester United also keen to sign him in the coming months.
But Smit is not the only player the Reds have their eye on, with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo also heavily linked with a move.
According to Fabrizio Romano, a number of club executives have already discussed terms with the Cherries for a contract in the January market and are working to understand the terms of the player’s release clause.
He also said the deal is expected to cost around £65 million (the amount Semenyo’s clause applies to), but other Premier League clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are also monitoring the situation closely.
Why Semenyo can sack Isak at Liverpool
As mentioned above, excitement among Liverpool supporters reached an all-time high on Deadline Day as the signing of Newcastle United striker Isak was finally announced.
The saga dragged on for months before being resolved, with Slott’s players having to pay a British record £125m for the Sweden international.
His record of 23 league goals last season led many to believe that the Reds had finally found the number nine they so desperately needed to complete the club’s impressive attacking department.
But the 26-year-old’s move to Merseyside has been nothing short of a disaster, with the striker scoring just one goal in his first nine games in all competitions.
Isak’s performance in the recent game against Nottingham Forest further highlighted his struggles, registering just 14 touches in total before being substituted in the 68th minute.
He has struggled mightily to make the desired impact at Anfield so far, but that could change if management complete a deal for Semenyo this winter.
Primarily a left winger, the Ghanaian international has impressed with his vitality this season, as evidenced by his six goals and three assists in 11 games.
However, his underlying statistics further underline the qualities he possesses, and such numbers will undoubtedly help Isak in his quest for success on Merseyside.
Described by former footballer Chris Waddle as “the best winger in the country”, Semenyo has successfully completed 1.9 take-ons in 90 games, often finding his way into dangerous areas with the ball at his feet.
Antoine Semenyo – PL Stats (25/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | 11 |
goals and assists | 9 |
Take-up completed | 1.9 |
An opportunity has arisen | 1.4 |
progressive path | 3.6 |
pass into the opponent’s box | 1.6 |
shot on target | 1.3 |
recovery has taken place | 5.3 |
Statistics by FBref | |
He was also able to add to his impressive performance in the Premier League, as evidenced by his 1.4 chances created per 90, not to mention his goal contributions.
The 25-year-old is averaging 3.6 progressive passes and 1.6 passes into the opposition box per 90, figures that sit perfectly in Isak’s hands and could turn around his dismal start to the club.
£65 million is a fantastic price for a player of Semenyo’s quality in the modern market, but it remains to be seen how much the board intends to spend in January after their recent splurge.
But if the club intends to get Isak fully on track in the near future, extra support will be desperately needed, and that could make the Bournemouth star the perfect person to ignite his tenure in the North West.
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