Liverpool look likely to make a bold push to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth during the January transfer window.
The Reds have looked in need of something different up front this season, and supporters will hope that Semenyo can provide the answer to that.
However, as good as the Ghanaian has been this season, there is an argument that Liverpool are already well stocked in wide forward areas. Triggering the reported £65m release clause in Semenyo‘s contract would feel like another expensive gamble.
The Liverpool squad is looking short in other areas of the pitch currently, and instead of spending another big sum to get the Bournemouth attacker, here are three alternative ways the Reds could better use that £65m.
1. Sign Marc Guehi and a second young centre-back
The biggest area of need for Liverpool at the current moment is at centre-back. Down to three senior options, Arne Slot is putting a lot of faith in the fitness of Ibrahima Konate.
As well as Semenyo, Marc Guehi is the clearest potential target for the Reds in January, but Guehi alone may not fix their issues.
The Crystal Palace captain would also be far cheaper than the £65m Liverpool may need to spend on Semenyo. A £35m fee was agreed in the summer, and perhaps the Reds could shave another £15-20m off that fee in the New Year.
Liverpool could then put the excess cash towards another centre-back in anticipation of Konate’s likely exit this summer. Another young prospect to go with Giovanni Leoni would seem smart, with Nantes’ Tylel Tati potentially one to watch.
2. Go all in on Alessandro Bastoni
In terms of centre-back targets, another to have come onto Liverpool’s radar is Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni.
In something approaching his peak years and still with two-and-a-half years left on his contract, Bastoni would not come cheap, and would likely surpass a £65m fee.
Who will win Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest on Saturday?
READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano may have just given away a key detail about Antoine Semenyo’s move to Liverpool
However, instead of blowing a big chunk of 2026’s budget on Semenyo, Liverpool could put that cash towards a deal for Bastoni.
As Rousing The Kop recently wrote, Bastoni is one of the only players who could replace Virgil van Dijk when the time eventually comes.
It is unlikely the Italian would be available in January in any case, but rather than spend on a player who feels like a luxury, Liverpool may be better off sitting tight and boosting their summer kitty for Bastoni.
3. Bring in Marc Guehi and Kees Smit
Next to centre-back – and arguably a new issue creeping in at right-back – Liverpool’s second most vulnerable area is in defensive midfield.
Ryan Gravenberch is still one of the very best around, but the Dutchman’s form has not been as consistent this season. He looks in need of someone to help him with the load.
Without a truly natural option in that respect in his current squad, Slot could look to the market in order to do that.
Who is Kees Smit?
- Name: Kees Smit
- Age: 19
- Club: AZ Alkmaar
- Position: Central midfield/Defensive midfield
- Senior appearances: 50
- Senior goals: 4
- Nationality: Dutch
Liverpool have been linked with AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit, and the addition of the 19-year-old midfielder would solve a lot of problems during the second half of the season.
Add Smit to a mid-season arrival of Guehi, and Liverpool would likely come in comfortably under £65m while significantly increasing their chances of lifting silverware.
It should not be Semenyo or no one for Liverpool this winter. The money is there, and there are wiser ways to use it.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
