Liverpool are heading into the January transfer window in need of reinforcements all across the pitch.
Despite recovering their form a little in recent weeks, the Reds are still looking for a shot in the arm before the second half of the season.
One way of doing that is by dipping into the market, and Liverpool have been strongly linked with a number of potential new additions.
Why do Liverpool fans want Antoine Semenyo to replace Cody Gakpo?
Gakpo easily betters him in key metrics!
Perhaps the most talked about of these is Antoine Semenyo, who looks highly likely to have played his final game for Bournemouth.
Semenyo had appeared to be on his way to Manchester City after reports earlier in the week suggested the Ghanaian had selected Pep Guardiola’s team as his favoured destination. However, just when hope appeared lost, Liverpool have reportedly bounced back into the chase.
Liverpool expected to make Antoine Semenyo offer
Although a move for Semenyo would make some sense for Liverpool, his preference for joining City had looked like putting them out of the race.
According to The Daily Mail, though, the Reds should not yet be counted against.
READ MORE: Marc Guehi state of play heading into January window as frontrunner named for Liverpool target
They claim that Bournemouth fully expect Liverpool to make a serious offer to sign Semenyo and attempt to turn his head away from City.
In what is described as a ‘dramatic twist’ in the transfer saga, the Reds are claimed to be ready to rival City – who are reportedly aiming to secure a deal by the time the window opens on Thursday – and snatch Semenyo away.
Man United and Tottenham are also named as interested parties, with Chelsea claimed to have already walked away, although the inference via ‘suggestions on the South Coast’ appears to be that this is a straight battle between Liverpool and City.
Prove me wrong: Anthony Gordon is still the PERFECT attacking signing for Liverpool…
Can Liverpool convince Semenyo to change his mind?
If Liverpool do make a serious move to sign Semenyo before their match against Leeds on New Year’s Day, it will only be because they genuinely think they can buy him. As per BBC Sport, Semenyo himself wants his future decided by January 1st.
The 25-year-old does look like a better fit for Liverpool than Man City, and there is even a case that he could come straight in as a starter at Anfield.
That particular carrot may be enough to convince Semenyo that his initial decision is not as straightforward as it initially seemed. Nevertheless, Guardiola called Semenyo ‘extraordinary‘ in October, and the chance to work with the Spaniard is a pull for any player.
Given the presence of a quickly expiring release clause, this one is set to move quickly and could certainly be tied up by the time Liverpool face Leeds on Thursday. BBC Sport claim Bournemouth would prefer to keep the forward for their next two matches before sanctioning his exit on January 7th.
Either way, supporters will not have to wait long to find out which way Semenyo has decided.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
