Liverpool plot a late run at Semenyo as Man City lead the chase

Here we go again: the transfer merry-go-round spins and Antoine Semenyo is right at the centre. Mail reports say Liverpool are primed to muscle in, yet GIVEMESPORT is adamant the Reds aren’t truly at the table — at least not for now. Meanwhile, the Bournemouth flyer still fancies the bright lights of the Etihad. Classic January brinkmanship, this.

City still in pole position — for now

Those close to the deal insist Semenyo’s first choice is Manchester City. That tracks: he’s a powerful, direct outlet who can press, carry, and finish — exactly the sort of squad-depth signing City like to lock down early. Crucially, the player’s voice is the loudest in this saga; whatever the offers, his say will decide the destination.

The Liverpool angle — Hughes factor could stir the pot

Here’s the supposed twist: Mail reporting suggests Liverpool could crank up interest and test Bournemouth’s resolve, with sporting chief Richard Hughes — who knows the Cherries inside out — a potentially decisive operator. GIVEMESPORT, however, maintains the Merseysiders are not actively in the race as we speak. If that stance flips, Semenyo would have a genuine decision to make between a leading role in a refreshed Reds attack and the irresistible lure of City’s machine.

The clause and the clock

Semenyo has a £65m release clause that’s understood to run until January 10, concentrating minds across the market. Window rhythms being what they are, expect agents and clubs to play chicken right up to the line. But remember, even with the clause in play, Semenyo’s preference is key.

Why Semenyo appeals

He ticks the modern forward’s boxes: pace to burn, works both flanks, happy off either shoulder, and aggressive without the ball. For Liverpool, he’d add rotational bite and positional flexibility across the front line. For City, he’s the perfect plug-and-play weapon to keep standards high when the fixtures pile up.

Do Liverpool need another forward?

Short answer: yes, if the price is right. Even if their attack is humming, succession planning never stops, and questions around long-term balance — especially with the workload on their wide men — won’t go away. A multi-position forward who adds goals and chaos is exactly the sort of profile the recruitment team covets.

Where this leaves Bournemouth

From the Cherries’ perspective, the writing feels faintly visible on the wall, but it’s not inked yet. Interest is firm, the clause is public, yet the destination isn’t set. If Liverpool do push, they complicate City’s clean run; if they don’t, City remain the clear favourites.

Pundit’s verdict

Read the room: City are in the box seat because that’s where Semenyo wants to sit. But Liverpool, should they truly enter late, can turn any chase on its head — especially with Hughes’ Bournemouth ties greasing the wheels. Until then, consider it a stare-down with a ticking clock and a clause that can be met in a heartbeat.

For more transfer context and market perspective, check out our guide to the best betting sites. And one last point of clarity: as it stands, GIVEMESPORT’s line is that Liverpool are not currently in the race — Mail’s suggestion is that they could soon be. That gap between ‘not now’ and ‘very soon’ is where this story will be won.