Former Liverpool star Jamie Redknapp has warned that the club's failure to sign Antoine Semenyo could prove critical for manager Arne Slot, who is already under mounting pressure. Manchester City beat Liverpool to the signing of the Bournemouth winger in January for £64 million, and Semenyo has since scored 11 goals in 27 matches for the Blues, helping them secure a League Cup and FA Cup double.
Redknapp believes the missed opportunity to secure a successor to Mohamed Salah, who is expected to leave Liverpool this summer, could have significant consequences. 'Semenyo was a big loss,' Redknapp said. 'Liverpool probably had an opportunity to get him, and then City jumped in. I think he would have been a superstar at Liverpool as well.'
Slot has been backed by Fenway Sports Group to lead the team next season, but Redknapp stressed the need for support in the transfer market. 'Arne will need a little bit of help next year,' he said. 'If Liverpool don't start well, he knows the price on the ticket. The pressure will come on him very early because of what's happened this season.'
Redknapp also pointed to mitigating circumstances, including the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota, as factors that have affected the campaign. He urged patience from fans, saying: 'I don't think you can underestimate how difficult that was for everybody to deal with.'
