Liverpool eye Vinicius Jr move as Semenyo remains on radar
Liverpool are weighing up a major attacking reinforcement ahead of the January transfer window, with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr emerging as a serious target alongside Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo according to Spanish sources.
After a difficult start to Arne Slot’s tenure – five defeats in six Premier League games and a stuttering attack missing the pace and flair once supplied by Luis Díaz before his move to Bayern Munich – the Reds are ready to reassert themselves in the transfer market. Sporting director Richard Hughes has been working closely with Slot to identify options capable of transforming Liverpool’s attacking threat.
Liverpool assess Semenyo and his release clause
Reports indicate that Antoine Semenyo has a £65 million release clause in his Bournemouth contract, one that could decrease by the end of the current campaign. The 24-year-old Ghanaian has impressed since his move from Bristol City, combining pace, power and direct running to become a key figure for Andoni Iraola’s side.
Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are all monitoring the forward, but Liverpool’s recruitment team are understood to be particularly keen given Slot’s preference for versatile wide players who can stretch defensive lines and press aggressively.
While Semenyo has been viewed as a smart domestic option, sources in Spain suggest that Liverpool’s hierarchy believe a more elite-level addition could be within reach.
Vinicius Jr viewed as statement signing
According to Spanish outlets, Liverpool have placed Vinicius Jr at the top of their wishlist and are prepared to test Real Madrid’s resolve with an offer in the region of £88 million. The Brazilian winger, who is in the penultimate year of his contract, has yet to agree a new deal at the Bernabéu – a situation that has encouraged potential suitors across Europe.
The 25-year-old is widely regarded as one of the world’s most dynamic attackers. Since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, he has scored 111 goals and provided 87 assists in 338 appearances. His ability to decide big games is well documented – not least through decisive contributions in two Champions League finals.
Carlo Ancelotti has described him as “unstoppable” when in form, while teammate Jude Bellingham recently labelled him “the best player in the world.” Even amid a somewhat inconsistent season by his own lofty standards, Vinicius continues to produce moments of brilliance that few others can replicate.
Why Vinicius Jr fits Liverpool’s long-term plan
For Liverpool, signing Vinicius Jr would represent both an immediate boost and a long-term statement. His skillset perfectly suits Slot’s high-tempo, possession-based style: explosive on the counter, technically exceptional in tight spaces, and relentless in pressing from the front.
With the club’s attack currently reliant on Cody Gakpo and Darwin Núñez for goals, a player of Vinicius’s calibre would reintroduce the unpredictability and edge that once defined Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp. It would also send a clear message to rivals that the Reds remain determined to challenge at the highest level, domestically and in Europe.
Semenyo remains a realistic alternative
While Vinicius Jr is viewed as a marquee ambition, Liverpool are realistic about the complexities of any deal involving Real Madrid. As such, Semenyo remains a strong alternative, offering Premier League experience, a proven physical profile and scope for further development under Slot’s coaching team.
If the Reds can strike early for either player, it could reshape their campaign and reenergise an attack in need of inspiration. For now, all eyes remain on Madrid – and whether Vinicius Jr’s future might truly lie on Merseyside.
