Report: Antoine Semenyo deal in place as Liverpool and Man City prepare for transfer showdown
Liverpool and Manchester City look poised for a heated battle to secure the signing of Antoine Semenyo.
Several trusted journalists have verified that Liverpool’s interest in the Bournemouth forward is genuine. As reported by David Ornstein in The Athletic last month, the Ghanaian attacker has a £65m release clause active until mid-January.
While Liverpool have a list of backup targets should they miss out on the 25-year-old, the club appear ready to go head-to-head with City for the Cherries standout.
Liverpool strike personal terms with Semenyo
CaughtOffside sources claim Liverpool have now agreed personal terms with Semenyo and matched Manchester City’s proposal, leaving the player to choose between the two Premier League giants.
His £65m release clause remains valid until 10 January, before a separate £60m clause becomes active in the summer.
It’s understood Semenyo will take his time before deciding his next move and hasn’t yet shown a preference between Liverpool or City, both of whom he has reached terms with.
Is Semenyo the long-term successor to Mo Salah?
With question marks surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future after his explosive public comments last weekend, the timing of Liverpool’s agreement with Semenyo is noteworthy.
The club still hope the Egyptian can repair his relationship with Arne Slot and stay beyond January, but even if a departure isn’t imminent, FSG must now be planning for life after their legendary No.11, who will turn 34 next summer.
Semenyo started the season brilliantly with six goals in his first seven league matches — including a brace against Liverpool — although he hasn’t scored in his last seven appearances since early October.
However, underlying metrics from the past year (via FBref) highlight his outstanding defensive work rate, an area critics have recently pointed to when questioning Salah:
Per 90 mins Percentile
Blocks 1.92
Aerial duels won 2.12
Clearances 1.11
Tackles 1.56
Liverpool’s readiness to agree personal terms shows they are serious contenders for the forward — though the same is true of Manchester City.
With the January window opening in just three weeks, Semenyo’s future will be one of the major storylines heading into Christmas and the New Year.
