Liverpool’s January Plans Under Spotlight After Semenyo Links

With Arne Slot guiding the club to the Premier League title in his debut season and more than £300m already invested in Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, the conversation around further attacking options has still continued to intensify.

January windows at Anfield often come with intrigue, from Luis Diaz in 2022 to Cody Gakpo in 2023, and this one is shaping up no differently. Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, armed with a £65m release clause that activates in the winter window, has become the latest name linked with a move to Merseyside. Yet the noise around the deal remains complicated. David Lynch spoke to Dave Davis for Anfield Index and provided his thoughts on the upcoming transfer window…

Transfer Climate Around Semenyo

Lynch’s assessment offered both clarity and caution. He noted, “I think it’s more likely that Liverpool do January business than it did at the start of the season.” That admission alone hints at a shift in internal thinking, possibly reflecting squad evolution, fitness demands or long term planning under Slot.

However, Lynch followed with a more reserved stance. “However, I’m a bit sceptical that they will add an attacker and that they will go for Semenyo at that price.” That scepticism echoes the feeling of many around Liverpool’s recruitment structure, particularly given the significant outlay on attacking depth during the summer.

Squad Dynamics Under Arne Slot

Slot’s system has already reshaped Liverpool’s attacking identity with fluid combinations, positional rotations and a renewed focus on high pressure phases. Isak and Wirtz have become central to that evolution, while Ekitike provides another layer of versatility. The question is not only whether Liverpool need another forward, but whether Semenyo’s profile aligns with the tactical roadmap.

Semenyo has impressed with his direct running, defensive work rate and ability to play across the frontline, traits that fit Liverpool’s model. Yet meeting the £65m clause would represent major expenditure for a player who may not start ahead of current options. The club has shown discipline in such situations before and may prioritise opportunities in other areas if necessary.

Strategic View of the Winter Window

The club’s recruitment team historically prepare for short and long term needs simultaneously. With Liverpool competing across multiple fronts again, unexpected opportunities or injuries could reshape plans quickly. Lynch’s comments suggest the door is not closed on January deals, but the threshold for action remains high.

Semenyo, at £65m, sits in a space that Liverpool evaluate carefully. For now, the interest appears real but the likelihood remains uncertain, shaped by price, squad balance and the confidence in the current attacking trio.