Liverpool poised to 'pivot' away from Antoine Semenyo deal, but who are they signing instead? - opinion

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Alexander Isak’s injury has left Liverpool worryingly short in attack heading into the festive period.The Reds were already looking light following Cody Gakpo going down with a fitness issue and Mohamed Salah leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations.But Isak’s suspected broken leg means Arne Slot has only Hugo Ekitike, Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha as genuine attacking options.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Who should replace Alexander Isak in Liverpool’s starting XI?

The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for Antoine Semenyo, and Isak’s injury has led to a belief in the fanbase that a deal for the Bournemouth star will get done.However, according to The Telegraph, Man United and Man City are both better placed than Liverpool to sign Semenyo in January. As a result, the Reds could reportedly now ‘pivot’ to different options.Liverpool set to use Antoine Semenyo cash elsewhereAlthough Liverpool are said to have been pursuing Semenyo for months, they look likely to lose out on the 25-year-old.All is not lost, though, with a claim made that the Reds will use the funds set aside to pay Semenyo’s £65m release clause and look at other options instead.Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Liverpool ready to challenge Man United for £52m ‘generational talent’ who could solve a big issueLiverpool were reportedly always planning to dip into the January market for a forward – with Semenyo a concrete target – but Isak’s injury may force their hand further.The winter window is a notoriously difficult one to do good business in, but Liverpool have often proven to be an exception to that rule.Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo are all examples of forward who were bought in the New Year, and it seems the Reds are now aiming to repeat the trick again.

Prove me wrong: Anthony Gordon is still the PERFECT attacking signing for Liverpool… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Daniela Porcelli/Sports Press 👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say Who could Liverpool sign for £65m?Despite spending a huge amount during the summer, Liverpool seemingly do have the funds available to go big on another forward in January.It could be that they spend more than the £65m they were planning to pay for Semenyo, but that figure does represent a good marker for any potential deal.Whoever it is needs to be capable of playing on either wing or through the middle, ruling out a massive portion of possible targets.One player who does stand out is Anthony Gordon, who almost joined Liverpool in 2024.