Fabrizio Romano says a reported Liverpool target appears more likely than not to secure a move in January.

Fabrizio Romano has suggested that a reported Liverpool target is more likely than not to leave his current club during the January transfer window.

After Lewis Steele recently claimed that Liverpool are ‘certainly keen’ on Antoine Semenyo for 2026, The Athletic’s David Ornstein added on Monday that Bournemouth fear they may be ‘powerless’ to stop the forward departing the Vitality Stadium mid-season.

The 25-year-old has a £65m release clause that must be triggered by a specific date in January to give the Cherries enough time to find a replacement before the window closes.

Romano increases expectations of a January exit for Semenyo

Romano has now stated that there’s a better-than-even chance the Ghanaian will leave Andoni Iraola’s side in the upcoming window.

Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, he explained: “I think there is a good chance we’ll see Antoine Semenyo moving in the January transfer window. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s definitely open. Let’s see what happens in January.

“Maybe 70%, maybe 60% for a January move, and 30–40% for the summer, but the possibility is there. The clause is £60m plus £5m in add-ons, and it’s valid specifically for January.”

Could Liverpool make a move?

With two of the most reliable transfer insiders—Romano and Ornstein—both indicating a rising likelihood of a January departure, momentum seems to be building around Semenyo’s potential mid-season move.

Liverpool spent nearly £450m during the summer, so another major spree in January seems unlikely, and Steele has already played down the prospect of winter signings. Still, that doesn’t eliminate the possibility entirely. If the right deal presents itself, Richard Hughes may be ready to act.

Does Semenyo represent that kind of opportunity? His release clause provides a clear price point, and Bournemouth appear braced for bids.

While many would argue that a centre-back should be Liverpool’s top priority in January given their lack of depth, if an opening emerges to secure Semenyo, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Hughes leverage his strong connections at the Vitality Stadium.