Liverpool had reportedly been chasing Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo for some time
Ex-Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has suggested that Liverpool missing out on Antoine Semenyo might not be the significant setback some are making it out to be. Semenyo seems set to sign for Manchester City after the club triggered his £65 million release clause, with a medical scheduled for Wednesday evening.
The Reds had been rumoured to be interested in the versatile winger for a while. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were also reportedly keen on the 25-year-old, but it appears Pep Guardiola has won the race for one of the Premier League’s most sought-after talents.
Semenyo, who can operate as a striker or on either wing, has netted 19 league goals over two seasons since his £10m move from Bristol City to Bournemouth in 2023. However, Warnock isn’t entirely convinced that the Ghana international would seamlessly fit into life at a high-profile club like Liverpool.
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Speaking to aceodds.com, Warnock said: “I think they eventually have to find someone on that right hand side,” and added, “Semenyo has been mentioned as a player who potentially could be that player.”
Drawing parallels with Millos Kerkez’s challenging start at Anfield following his summer transfer from Bournemouth, Warnock continued: “There is a difference between playing for Bournemouth and Liverpool. We have seen it with Milos Kerkez as well, that was the same scenario.
“He is the perfect case to look at when it comes to the person and the pressure to be at Liverpool. I like Semenyo. I think he is a brilliant player and I think he is very capable.
“But do we know whether he could cope with playing in a Liverpool shirt and providing goals and assists week in week out?”.
“Before the match against Man United, he had played seven matches without scoring. If he went seven matches without scoring for Liverpool, things would be a lot different.
“There would be a pressure on him, especially with the money he would cost. It might be something he embraces, it might be a challenge that would excite him. Maybe he would enjoy that pressure and thrive under that pressure.
“I like him and he is physically outstanding. I think he suits the Premier League. One thing you have to look at when finding a new player is how quickly he can adapt to the Premier League, and he already knows the Premier League. Everything will just be about how he can adapt playing for Liverpool.”
Meanwhile, Jermaine Jenas argued that Liverpool would be the ideal destination for Semenyo – a view shared by numerous frustrated Liverpool supporters.
“Semenyo would be perfect for Liverpool,” he told 10bet. “More than replacing a potential Mo Salah departure, I think it’s addressing Luis Diaz’s exit.
“I think Cody Gakpo is a little bit predictable at times and I think someone with a little bit more of a dynamic edge to them down that left-hand side would be good.”
Cherries boss Andoni Iraola conceded that the match against Spurs might be Semenyo’s “last game”, saying: “That is my personal opinion, but there is nothing agreed and nothing signed. It is my personal opinion as I understand the market and the noise but there is nothing agreed right now.”
