Liverpool weigh up future moves as Semenyo and Bastoni come into focus
Liverpool’s recruitment team continues to explore potential additions ahead of 2026, with several names emerging across Europe. As speculation swirls, the club’s scouting department is casting a wide net — monitoring both established stars and developing prospects — in a strategy that balances long-term potential with immediate quality.
Semenyo attracting top-level interest
Rumours surrounding Antoine Semenyo’s future have gathered momentum in recent weeks, with reports suggesting the forward had handed in a transfer request at Bournemouth. However, Football journalist Lewis Steele suggests sources close to the player have dismissed those claims, clarifying that no such request has been made.
What remains accurate, though, is the growing admiration for the 24-year-old across the Premier League. Liverpool are among the clubs monitoring his progress, while others have also registered interest ahead of next summer. Bournemouth, for their part, are understood to value Semenyo at around £75 million — a figure that could rise if his strong form continues into the new year.
While a January move appears unlikely at this stage, Liverpool’s hierarchy has shown a willingness to advance summer business when circumstances allow, as seen with their proactive dealings in previous windows. Whether that will extend to Semenyo remains to be seen, but his combination of physicality, pace and pressing ability fits neatly into the profile favoured under Arne Slot’s evolving system.
Bastoni admired by recruitment staff
Another name surfacing in discussions at the AXA Training Centre is Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni. The Italy international has long been admired by Liverpool’s scouting network, who view his tactical intelligence and left-footed distribution as attributes that could complement the existing defensive core.
Although any approach for Bastoni would represent a significant financial outlay, his profile aligns with the type of modern defender the club are keen to attract — one capable of initiating attacks and providing balance in possession. Sources in Italy suggest that while Inter remain determined to retain their key defender, Premier League interest could test their resolve in the coming months.
Ordonez duo remain under consideration
Beyond headline names, Liverpool’s focus on youth and potential continues to shape their broader recruitment picture. Ecuadorian defenders Joel and Deinner Ordonez are both understood to have been tracked by scouts over recent months.
Joel, currently with Club Brugge, has impressed since his move to Belgium in 2023, displaying maturity beyond his years and a commanding presence in defence. His compatriot Deinner, emerging from Independiente del Valle’s famed academy — the same that produced Moisés Caicedo and Piero Hincapié — is also generating excitement among youth analysts. At just 17, he’s already being tipped as one of South America’s brightest defensive talents.
Lewis Steele provides insight on summer priorities
Football journalist Lewis Steele has provided recent updates suggesting Liverpool’s primary targets for 2026 will revolve around reinforcing both defence and attack, with Bastoni and Semenyo viewed as realistic options depending on outgoing transfers.
The club are expected to face competition from domestic and continental rivals, particularly with a number of European sides also tracking Semenyo’s progress. Meanwhile, potential moves for midfielders such as Adam Wharton, Elliott Anderson and Carlos Baleba may also define the next recruitment phase.
For now, Liverpool’s activity remains largely exploratory, but discussions and scouting reports point towards a busy summer window. The club’s recruitment structure, refined in recent years, continues to prioritise value and strategic fit over short-term opportunism. If the likes of Semenyo and Bastoni do feature on the shortlist, it signals an intent to blend proven quality with players entering their prime.
