Liverpool could be active in the January transfer window to help bolster Arne Slot’s ranks, but one option touted by Jamie Redknapp is no longer available after sealing a move.
With the January transfer window now past the one week stage, and Liverpool are looking to step up their activity to help Arne Slot finish the second half of the season in a strong fashion. While the Reds spent heavily in the summer, with over £450m in signings, there are still some clear gaps for the recruitment team to fill in over the coming transfer windows – whether that’s now or in the summer.
The defensive department is one area of keen interest, but so too is the possibility of adding a winger who can make an immediate impact to the team. As a result, there have been links to a possible signing in the Premier League, most notably Antoine Semenyo, who had been on Liverpool’s radar for a little while.
As time progressed, however, it became clear that a move to Manchester City was on the cards over a possible switch to Anfield this winter – with a £65m release clause that made him a prime opportunity in the market.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp made feelings clear on Gabriel Martinelli before Conor Bradley incidentREAD MORE: Gabriel Martinelli learns fate over Arsenal ban after shameful Conor Bradley incident
While it seemed as though a deal to City was all but complete, former player-turned-pundit Jamie Redknapp threw the cat amongst the pigeons when he suggested that a switch to Liverpool could still happen.
Speaking on Sky Sports on January 7, Redknapp said: “I’m not so sure. I’ve heard there might be a little bit of a twist. I think Liverpool could still be in the equation.
“I think that, I’ve got to be honest, I think if they did come in – why they perhaps haven’t come in as strongly, I’m surprised. If you look at that position, with Mohamed Salah and how long he’s going to be at the club for, we don’t quite know. If you’ve got a player of that quality and he shows he’s a match- winner, he turns up in the big moments.
“Why wouldn’t you be in for him? I’m not saying it’s a a Sky Sports breaking news moment, but all I’m saying is, I’ve heard tonight that it might not be the forgone conclusion that he’s going to be having a medical at Man City. There might still be a little twist and I hope so.”
While that may have sparked some hope for fans that perhaps the versatile forward could end up playing in red instead of sky blue, that was quickly dashed.
Just two days later, Semenyo’s switch to Man City was confirmed in a deal reported to be worth £64m in the end, with the club posting about their new number 42 for the whole world to see.
Explaining his decision for joining Liverpool’s rivals, he said to the official Man City website: “I am so proud to have joined Manchester City. I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League as well as achieving amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
“They have set the highest of standards and it’s a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep. I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It’s a real privilege to be here.
“My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that. And City are in a great position – still involved in four competitions. I really feel I can help them have a strong second half of the season. The Etihad is my new home. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans here and I hope to show everyone what I can do.”
It comes as a slight blow to Liverpool, but focus will quickly shift to other targets they will be looking at in the market to help strengthen the team further.
Reports have stated that Liverpool have already agreed a deal to sign Mor Ndiaye, a young left-footed centre-back who will be one for the future.
Beyond him, links continue with Marc Guehi as an option in the backline, and Wolves striker Mateus Mane as another who could make a move.
