Liverpool on the verge of securing a multi-talented forward who turned down Manchester United during the summer.
Manchester United may miss out on one of their top summer targets, as Liverpool take the lead in the race to sign Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo in the January transfer window.
The highly-rated Ghanaian had been on the radar of both Manchester United and Tottenham, but the Reds now appear to be in pole position.
Semenyo turned down Manchester United and Tottenham last summer
Reliable sources following Semenyo’s transfer saga report that the Bournemouth star rejected offers worth around £50 million from both Manchester United and Tottenham during the summer. He chose to remain at Bournemouth, signing a new long-term deal with a £65 million release clause that comes into effect in January.
One insider shared on X: “Breaking: Antoine Semenyo rejected £50m moves to Manchester United and Spurs last summer.”
Liverpool leading January chase despite Arsenal interest
Liverpool are reportedly leading the pursuit of Semenyo ahead of the winter window. Sporting director Richard Hughes has been in direct contact with Bournemouth, leveraging his long-standing relationship with the club to try to finalize the deal.
Arsenal are also interested, but they would likely need to offload a major player in January before making a move. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s stronger financial position and Semenyo’s apparent preference for Anfield put the Reds in a commanding position to secure the 25-year-old.
How Semenyo could address Liverpool’s attacking challenges
Liverpool’s attack has struggled for consistency this season, adding pressure on manager Arne Slot during a busy fixture schedule. The departure of Luis Diaz has left a gap on the left flank, while Cody Gakpo has yet to recapture last season’s form.
Adding to the challenge, Mohamed Salah’s upcoming AFCON duty with Egypt will leave the Reds without their star forward for crucial matches in December and January.
Semenyo could provide an immediate solution. The Bournemouth forward is versatile enough to play across all three attacking positions, whether on either wing or as a central striker. His pace and strength make him a constant threat on the counterattack, and his two-footed ability allows him to adapt seamlessly to different tactical setups.
