Fabrizio Romano provides positive update on Liverpool’s pursuit of £60m star

Just months after a record-breaking summer transfer window, Liverpool’s attention is already turning towards potential deals for January.

It’s hardly surprising either, with Liverpool currently sitting 8th in the Premier League table and eight points behind league-leaders Arsenal.

Last week’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City was the Reds’ fifth defeat in their last six league games. So it’s fair to say that the title defence isn’t exactly going to plan.

Out of the six players signed in the £450m summer spending spree, only Hugo Ekitike has really made a solid impact so far. The likes of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong are still adapting to life on Merseyside.

Liverpool’s Next Signing?

The latest name to be linked with the switch to Anfield is AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who is in the midst of a stellar season for the Cherries. Only Erling Haaland (15) has more goal contributions than Semenyo (9) in the Premier League so far this season.

According to Fabrizio Romano, on his YouTube channel, Liverpool are “keen” on a potential deal to sign the forward and are considering the move.

Interestingly, Semenyo has a release clause included in his recent contract with Bournemouth. Romano claims that the release clause sits at £60m up-front, with £5m in further add-ons for any deal in January.

That clause could drop to “slightly above” £50m in the summer window, should clubs wish to wait for a better deal.

However, with the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur interested in the player, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him move this winter.

Where does Semenyo fit at Liverpool?

One of Semenyo’s biggest traits is his versatility and the ability to use both feet. He would provide further depth on both flanks and add competition to an increasingly frustrating Cody Gakpo and an ageing Mohamed Salah.

Not only has Semenyo improved his end product, but he has also massively improved his work off the ball. He sits in the 99th percentile for blocks for forwards, averaging 2.03 per 90, as well as averaging 4.47 ball recoveries per 90.

That energy and front-footed ability is seriously lacking in Arne Slot’s frontline at the moment. Whilst a defensive midfielder or another centre-back may be a more pressing need, an energetic forward is also much-needed.