Antoine Semenyo was heavily linked with a switch to Liverpool before the January transfer window closed, but eventually made a move to rivals Manchester City instead
Jamie Redknapp had suggested Antoine Semenyo could join Liverpool before his transfer to Man City(Image: (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images))
Jamie Redknapp has disclosed that his father, Harry Redknapp, was behind the claim that Antoine Semenyo’s transfer to Man City wasn’t certain and that Liverpool could have been in the running instead. The Ghanaian international had been strongly tipped for a move to the Etihad Stadium, with the final arrangements appearing to be merely a formality between Pep Guardiola’s team and Bournemouth.
Yet, after playing what seemed to be his last match for the Cherries against Tottenham – netting a dramatic 95th-minute winner – the pundit hinted at a possible late change of direction toward Liverpool for Semenyo. Just a day later, that theory proved incorrect, as Semenyo confirmed his switch to Man City for approximately £60m.
Host Mark Chapman teased Redknapp during Sky Sports’ broadcast of Newcastle United vs Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday, remarking: “Jamie thought he (Semenyo) was going to Liverpool at one point, our transfer guru over there.”
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Redknapp attempted to explain where he’d picked up the rumours of a potential twist in the saga, replying: “I heard there was going to be a twist! And there wasn’t! I’m not going to lie, Mark, sometimes you get information from people, and you expect better.
“On this occasion, my dad called me, he was at Bournemouth when Semenyo scored that incredible goal, and he said ‘I think there might be a twist and he might be going to Liverpool’.
“I thought ‘I’m going to say that on air’. I thought I had turned into Fabrizio Romano for five seconds, and I got it completely wrong.”
Harry Redknapp has strong ties to Bournemouth, having overseen the club between 1983 and 1992 in his maiden managerial role.
Throughout that period, he guided the Cherries to promotions from both the Fourth and Third Divisions, whilst also securing an Associate Members’ Cup triumph.
Those connections to Bournemouth could well explain why Jamie Redknapp felt compelled to share his father’s speculation on air. However, Semenyo’s transfer to Man City proved straightforward, as he signed a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium.
The 26-year-old had caught the attention of several elite Premier League sides, with Liverpool joining rivals Manchester United, Tottenham, and Arsenal in showing interest in securing his services.
His two-footed ability, top-flight experience, tactical flexibility and overall quality made him an enticing prospect, and it comes as little shock that Semenyo has made an immediate impact in just a handful of appearances for City.
The attacker both scored and provided an assist on his debut during a commanding 10-1 victory over Exeter City in the FA Cup third round, before finding the net again in his side’s 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg triumph against Newcastle.
Following the match, Semenyo explained how the atmosphere at the club has enabled him to adapt swiftly and contribute to City’s push in the latter stages of the season.
He said: “Tough game today, but if we stuck in there, we knew we would get chances. I was in the right area to tap it in, and we were victorious, so I am happy.
“The whole environment here is perfect. Everyone is confident and wanting to achieve the best. I have come into that, and they helped with my confidence and made me feel welcome. It’s been a lot, but I have enjoyed it so far. I am picking things up very quickly and enjoying it.
“I am just taking the confidence I had from Bournemouth here and playing with a smile on my face. I am enjoying every moment… The second goal should have counted. The referee came and spoke to me and told me what was going on. It is what it is.”
While it’s a market opportunity missed for Liverpool, their own transfer strategy is likely to pivot away from forward options for the coming weeks.
Defensive options remain a priority, given the lack of backup for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate for this season, plus their ongoing contract situations – the former has a deal until 2027, while the latter’s expires in 2026.
Marc Guehi has once again appeared as an option available to Liverpool, but there may be stiff competition to get him signed to a deal at Anfield, while other defenders will also be on the radar in case that move isn’t completed.
