In a dramatic twist to the January transfer window, a proposed £65 million move for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City is reportedly under threat from a late bid by Liverpool.
Redknapp's Bombshell Claim on Sky Sports
While widespread reports indicated Semenyo's switch to the Etihad was a mere formality, former Liverpool midfielder and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp delivered a stunning counter-claim. "Everyone thinks it’s a foregone conclusion but I’m not so sure… I’m hearing Liverpool have come in," Redknapp stated during broadcast.
He expressed surprise that Liverpool had not been more aggressive in their pursuit earlier, given the long-term uncertainty around Mohamed Salah's future at Anfield. Redknapp praised the 26-year-old's qualities, highlighting his match-winning instinct, exemplified by his injury-time winner against Tottenham on Wednesday. "He's showed he's a matchwinner, he turns up in the big moments," Redknapp added, suggesting the saga might not be over.
Semenyo's Perfect Cherries Farewell
The Ghanaian international's likely final act for Bournemouth was indeed storybook, securing a 3-2 victory over Spurs with a last-gasp goal. Cherries manager Andoni Iraola lavished praise on the departing star, confirming the deal's advanced stage while admitting his loss would be keenly felt.
"It's fair that he leaves with the feeling he has at the end," Iraola said. "He's a big miss, a player you cannot replace. He is an incredible player." Iraola revealed Semenyo's medical with Manchester City was scheduled for Thursday, yet Redknapp's comments have now thrown that plan into doubt.
Title Race Context and Potential Fallout
The transfer intrigue unfolds against a tense backdrop in the Premier League title race. Semenyo's potential new teammates at Manchester City dropped more points in a 1-1 draw with Brighton on Wednesday, their third consecutive draw.
This result means if Arsenal defeat Liverpool on Thursday, the Gunners will move eight points clear at the summit, piling pressure on both Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp. A successful hijack by Liverpool for Semenyo would not only bolster their attacking options but also deal a significant blow to a direct rival's recruitment plans in a critical season.
All eyes are now on Thursday to see if the medical at the Etihad proceeds as planned or if Redknapp's revelation sparks a genuine late bidding war for one of the season's standout performers.
