Liverpool target record-setting French winger following Semenyo setback as €60m Arsenal rivalry heats up
Liverpool are shifting focus away from Antoine Semenyo and are now targeting Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jean-Matteo Bahoya, along with a Premier League star, as they look to strengthen their winger options, according to reports.
The Reds had initially shown interest in Semenyo after discovering that his Bournemouth contract, signed in the summer, includes a £65million release clause for January. Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes has maintained strong connections with Bournemouth and discussed a potential deal with the club. However, Manchester City are reportedly on the verge of finalizing a deal, outpacing Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham. Recent reports have outlined three reasons why Liverpool did not match City’s bid.
Despite this, Liverpool remain committed to adding a new winger and are considering two main options. The first is Bahoya, a France U21 international at Frankfurt, who is “on Liverpool’s radar” and expected to be available in January. The club is reportedly “very interested” and hopes to sign him at a relatively low cost, as Frankfurt’s shift to wing-backs limits Bahoya’s role as a traditional winger.
Manager Arne Slot is keen to add more pace to Liverpool’s attack, and Bahoya fits the bill perfectly. He has been described as “the fastest player in Europe,” becoming the first Bundesliga player to exceed 37km/h last season.
Liverpool are also tracking Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, who previously played under Slot at Feyenoord. The 21-year-old has impressed this season, though he would command a significant fee.
Regarding Bahoya, Liverpool first showed interest in October. A move could reunite him with former Frankfurt teammate Hugo Ekitike. However, Arsenal are also in the running, having scouted Bahoya six times this season. While Liverpool hope for a bargain, Frankfurt are expected to demand at least €60m (£52m) for the winger.
Another potential target is Kenan Yildiz, with Liverpool reportedly contacting Juventus to gauge his situation. Yildiz is seeking a major contract increase, but Juventus have not yet met his demands.
Adding a winger is also part of Liverpool’s long-term plan to prepare for a possible departure of Mo Salah, who has been linked with a January transfer after expressing frustration with Slot and the club. Liverpool hope he stays to complete his contract, but they recognize the need to plan for the future as Salah is now 33.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have withdrawn interest in a South American defender, leaving Liverpool as the frontrunners. The deal, reportedly valued at €40m (£35m), could mark the start of a defensive overhaul. The club has also been linked with a potential midfield upgrade over Alexis Mac Allister.