Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has suggested that Liverpool could block Manchester City’s bid for Antoine Semenyo. The Ghanaian striker appeared to bid farewell to Bournemouth supporters after scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winning goal in a thrilling 3-2 win over Tottenham.
Manager Andoni Iraola then suggested the former Bristol City ace was likely to feature in his final outing for the Cherries. The Spanish tactician explained that Semenho’s departure is only a “procedural matter” that is pending completion. City have reportedly agreed to trigger the £65m release clause in the forward’s contract, with Josep Guardiola’s side looking set to announce his arrival.
Despite this, Redknapp made a surprising transfer revelation, suggesting the Reds may be working behind the scenes to prevent Semenyo from leaving the Etihad.
he said: “I’m not sure, I hear there might be a little twist.
“I think Liverpool still have a chance. I think so. To be honest, if they come in, I’m surprised why they haven’t come in as strongly. If you look at the position with Mohamed Salah and how long he will stay at the club, we have no idea.”
“If you have a player of that quality and he shows up in the big moments to show he’s a match-winner, why aren’t you rooting for him?”
“I’m not saying this is breaking news on Sky Sports, but what I’m saying is that from what I heard tonight, it might not be a foregone conclusion that he gets a medical at Man City. There could still be some twists and I hope that happens.”
Redknapp was unable to elaborate on his sources or whether his comments came from a football instinct or from privileged information he knew.
Given Iraola’s comments, it seems certain that Semenyo will not wear a Bournemouth shirt this season.
The Cherries manager revealed: “We worked really hard to keep him here until the last moment and I think it’s only fair that he leaves at the end with the feeling he felt being a sub and being welcomed by the supporters. I think he’s got all this. We know he’s a top player, but especially a top person, so I’m very happy for him.”
“Personally, I’m very happy for him because I think he deserves this result considering what he’s done for us. But he’s certainly a big miss for us and he’s a player we can’t replace. It’s been a difficult week for us because we also lost Justin (Kluivert) to injury.”
“For a club like us to lose Justin and Antoine in the same week is a big thing. We know the club is working and we will try to sign new players, but it is very difficult to replace players of this level.”
Guardiola may have been hoping for Semenyo to join the attack after seeing City squander a number of chances in their 1-1 draw at home to Brighton on Wednesday.
Liverpool could help City win the title this Thursday night. The Reds are scheduled to face Premier League favorites Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Guardiola will be pinning his hopes on Liverpool’s victory in north London, as a win for the Gunners would leave City eight points behind Mikel Arteta’s side.
