Big boost for Liverpool: £65m star could now be on the move this January
Liverpool look to have received a major boost in their pursuit of a player strongly linked with an Anfield move.
Lewis Steele recently reported that the Reds are “definitely interested” in signing Antoine Semenyo in 2026, while also pushing back against claims that the Ghanaian has requested to leave Bournemouth.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City are also believed to be in the race for the 25-year-old (Daily Briefing), who currently sits joint-third in the Premier League scoring charts with six goals.
Liverpool encouraged in Semenyo chase
On Monday night, David Ornstein of The Athletic provided a noteworthy update on Bournemouth’s No. 24 — one that could be very encouraging for Liverpool.
The Cherries reportedly “reluctantly accept” that they may be “unable” to prevent Semenyo from moving on in January, although their preference is to keep him until the end of the 2025/26 season.
As part of the contract he signed last July, the forward has a £65m release clause which must be triggered by a specific deadline during the winter window to give Bournemouth enough time to secure a replacement.
Liverpool must avoid another Guehi-style situation
Given Ornstein’s reputation, this update carries weight, and Bournemouth seem to be preparing themselves for a potential January departure for the player widely described as a “game changer” with an ideal blend of strength and skill (Thom Harris, The Athletic).
The £65m buyout clause provides Liverpool with a clear target if they want to secure Semenyo mid-season, but they’ll need to act far more decisively than they did in the failed summer pursuit of Marc Guehi.
Although an agreement had been reached with Crystal Palace, the Eagles withdrew late on deadline day because they lacked the time to bring in a replacement — leaving Liverpool empty-handed after delaying their move until the final days of August.
The Reds travel to Bournemouth on the weekend of 24/25 January, and Richard Hughes may privately hope to seal a deal before then so that Semenyo is lining up for Liverpool, not against them — while still giving Bournemouth time to react in the market.
With the south coast side increasingly wary of losing their star attacker mid-season and Liverpool aware that £65m could secure his signature, a significant opportunity may be emerging… though the same window of possibility is open to every other club interested in the Ghanaian.
