In a stunning development that could drastically alter the January transfer window, Manchester City are reportedly close to snatching Antoine Semenyo from under Liverpool’s nose. The Bournemouth forward has been one of Arne Slot’s priority winter targets, but City are now ready to activate the £65 million release clause in his contract—an aggressive move that has blindsided Liverpool’s hierarchy.

 

Liverpool have tracked Semenyo since the summer, with Sporting Director Richard Hughes spearheading the efforts to bring him to Anfield. The 25-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding campaign so far, recording six goals and three assists in the Premier League.

 

He had been identified as the perfect reinforcement ahead of Mohamed Salah’s likely departure for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

 

But City’s sudden intervention has forced Liverpool to urgently rethink their January plans.

 

Kenan Yıldız (Juventus) – The 18-year-old Turkish prodigy has become a serious long-term target. Yıldız recently broke a Juventus milestone previously held by Alessandro Del Piero and is now seen as one of Serie A’s most exciting young talents. Liverpool view him as a future superstar who could thrive under Slot. However, Juventus are hesitant to part with him mid-season.

 

Rodrygo (Real Madrid) – Another high-profile option, Rodrygo is reportedly open to a Premier League move due to uncertainty about his starting role at Real Madrid. Liverpool have made informal inquiries with his camp to assess interest. His Champions League experience and versatility make him an ideal fit, though it remains unclear whether Madrid would actually approve a winter transfer.

 

Iliman Ndiaye (Everton) – Possibly the most attainable short-term fix, Ndiaye is considered a stylistically similar alternative to Semenyo. The Senegal international, now at Everton, has the speed and creativity that Slot’s system demands. Still, the fierce rivalry between the two Merseyside clubs makes any potential negotiation extremely complicated, despite Liverpool’s appreciation for the player.

 

Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) – The French winger, who joined Bayern last summer, is viewed as Liverpool’s dream acquisition for 2026. His technical ability and flair align perfectly with the modern wide forward profile, and he’s seen as a possible long-term successor to Salah. Bayern, however, are unlikely to entertain offers before next summer, making this more of a future consideration.

 

Liverpool’s reaction to City’s attempt to hijack the Semenyo deal could ultimately define their January window. Hughes and Slot are reportedly in continuous talks with Fenway Sports Group (FSG) to secure funds for a major attacking addition, especially as the club aims to maintain momentum in both the Premier League title race and the Champions League knockout rounds.

 

Should City finalize the transfer, it would add another layer to the intense rivalry between the two clubs—one increasingly contested not only on matchdays but also behind the scenes in the transfer market.

 

For now, Liverpool’s priority is clear: whether it ends up being Yıldız, Rodrygo, Ndiaye, or Olise, they intend to move quickly and assertively to replace Semenyo before the January window opens, ensuring their attack remains potent during Salah’s absence.