Liverpool have reportedly lost out in the race to sign Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, with Manchester City moving decisively to secure the Ghana international's signature.
City Activate Release Clause for Premier League Star
Manchester City have triggered Antoine Semenyo's £65 million release clause, with the player set for a medical on Wednesday evening. The move brings a swift conclusion to a transfer saga that had seen several top clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, linked with the 25-year-old.
Semenyo, who joined Bournemouth from Bristol City for £10 million in 2023, has impressed with 19 Premier League goals across the last two seasons. His versatility, allowing him to play across the front line, made him a coveted asset in the January 2026 transfer window.
Warnock Questions Liverpool Suitability
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has suggested that missing out on Semenyo may not be a significant blow for Jurgen Klopp's side. Speaking to aceodds.com, Warnock pointed to the immense pressure of playing at Anfield, using the example of fellow Bournemouth alumnus Milos Kerkez's challenging adaptation.
"There is a difference between playing for Bournemouth and Liverpool," Warnock stated. "We have seen it with Milos Kerkez... I like Semenyo. I think he is a brilliant player and very capable. But do we know whether he could cope with playing in a Liverpool shirt and providing goals and assists week in week out?"
He highlighted that a recent seven-match goalless run for Bournemouth would be scrutinised far more severely at a club like Liverpool, especially given the substantial transfer fee involved.
Contrasting Views on the Perfect Fit
While Warnock expressed doubts, other pundits believed Liverpool was the ideal destination. Jermaine Jenas argued that Semenyo would have been a perfect acquisition for the Reds, particularly to add dynamism on the left flank following Luis Diaz's departure.
"Semenyo would be perfect for Liverpool," Jenas told 10bet. "I think Cody Gakpo is a little bit predictable at times and I think someone with a little bit more of a dynamic edge to them down that left-hand side would be good."
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola all but confirmed the impending departure, noting after a recent game that it could have been Semenyo's "last game" for the club, citing the noise in the transfer market.
The deal sees Pep Guardiola's Manchester City secure one of the most sought-after attacking talents in the league, leaving rival clubs to consider alternative targets as the window progresses.
