Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been labelled "stupid" for a key transfer decision as the January window approaches, with winger Federico Chiesa again linked with a departure from Anfield.
Pennant Brands Semenyo Decision 'Stupid'
With the January transfer window opening on 1 January, Liverpool are under pressure to strengthen a squad depleted by injury. The absence of star forward Mohamed Salah, who is on Africa Cup of Nations duty, and striker Alexander Isak, out with a broken leg, has exposed a lack of attacking depth.
This context has made the news that Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo is reportedly closing in on a £65 million move to Manchester City particularly galling for some observers. Former Reds player Jermaine Pennant did not hold back in his criticism on talkSPORT.
"As a Liverpool fan, I'm really disappointed," Pennant stated. "For £65million in this day and age, a player of Antoine Semenyo's quality, you'd say it's kind of a bargain." He went on to brand the club's apparent failure to enter the race for the 25-year-old Ghana international as "really stupid".
Pennant argued that the Premier League-proven Semenyo could have been a long-term replacement for Salah, whose future remains uncertain. Defensive injuries to Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez have compounded the issues, making the failed deadline-day move for Marc Guehi last summer even more frustrating.
Federico Chiesa Eyes Anfield Exit
Meanwhile, Italian winger Federico Chiesa is being linked with a swift return to Juventus. The 29-year-old, who signed for Liverpool in the summer of 2024, has struggled for consistent playing time under Slot.
Chiesa's first Premier League start at Anfield only came in the recent 2-1 win over Wolves. Slot previously revealed that Chiesa "wasn't happy" after being initially omitted from Liverpool's Champions League group stage squad, a decision later reversed due to Leoni's ACL injury.
Despite professing his love for Merseyside, Chiesa has previously refused to rule out a return to Turin. "Never say never," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I still love the club and the fans." A report in the same Italian outlet now claims he is among Juventus's targets for January.
Chiesa's potential departure stems from his forced exit from Juventus last year, where then-manager Thiago Motta told him: "I don't need you, find a team."
Inconsistent Season Demands Reinforcements
The need for January additions is heightened by Liverpool's inconsistent form in the Premier League campaign. Winter signings are seen as crucial to bolstering the team's push for Champions League qualification.
With key players absent and a rival club poised to snap up a prime attacking target, Arne Slot and the Liverpool hierarchy face mounting scrutiny. Their activity, or lack thereof, in the coming weeks could define the second half of their season.
