According to The Telegraph, Bournemouth are bracing for a late twist in the race for Antoine Semenyo, with Liverpool monitoring the £65m forward.
Manchester City moved into a strong position last week to sign the 25-year-old, who will be available for a move in January.
However, with Semenyo’s release clause not active until Thursday, there is still time for other clubs, including Liverpool, to make their move for the Ghana international.
As the window approaches, Liverpool have yet to challenge City, but the club remains aware of Semenyo, with sporting director Richard Hughes having worked at Bournemouth when the forward signed from Bristol City in 2023.
Despite spending over £400m in the summer, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has noted that the club recouped funds through player sales.
Injuries and unavailability have also affected squad selection – Federico Chiesa started in the narrow win over Wolves on Saturday, with Alexander Isak sidelined by a broken leg, Cody Gakpo just returning from injury, and Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations and with an uncertain future following his explosive interview criticising Slot and the club.
Hughes originally secured Semenyo for £12m three years ago, beating Crystal Palace to his signature.
At the time, Hughes led a recruitment team that pushed through the deal despite Semenyo carrying a shin injury that had impacted his form in the Championship.
Over the past three seasons, Semenyo has fulfilled much of the potential that initially attracted attention, prompting interest from multiple clubs once his release clause was made public.
Chelsea reportedly made enquiries but eventually withdrew, while Spurs remain admirers but are not in the running. Manchester United have also explored a potential deal.
City, however, positioned themselves well last week, with the Etihad Stadium emerging as the player’s preferred destination. Semenyo’s £65m release clause is active from the start of January, expiring on January 10.
Given the competition for his signature, some expect the deal to be completed within the first week of the window, well before the clause expires.
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