What the ECHO has learned about Antoine Semenyo transfer interest and Harvey Elliott return

Liverpool are monitoring Antoine Semenyo's situation amid intense transfer speculation, but face competition from Manchester City, who remain the frontrunners to sign the Bournemouth winger in January[1][2][3]. Bournemouth expect Liverpool to step up their interest in the £65m-rated Ghana international, whose release clause—£60m initial fee plus £5m add-ons—is active for the first 10 days of the window[1][4][5]. Semenyo, 25, has impressed with nine goals and three assists in 17 Premier League games this season, including a consolation strike in Bournemouth's 4-1 loss to Brentford[1][2].

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano clarified that while Liverpool have made calls to Semenyo's camp since November to gauge the situation, they have not formally approached Bournemouth. City hold an agreement with the player and are in talks with his club, confident of his preference[2]. Journalist Ben Jacobs added that Liverpool have "no plans" for a January move, prioritizing summer targets alongside Arsenal, aligning with their cautious winter strategy to avoid reactive spending[3]. Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola hopes to retain Semenyo as long as possible[2].

Meanwhile, reports suggest a potential Harvey Elliott return features in Liverpool's planning. The ECHO understands Elliott, on loan at Bournemouth earlier concerns over squad depth persist, but club legend Jamie Carragher emphasized no "buying for buying’s sake." January 1 is seen as pivotal for Semenyo's decision[4]. City have escalated formal talks, potentially ending Liverpool's involvement short of a late hijack[3][4].

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