1 week ago
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It appears that Liverpool's rising star, Rio Ngumoha, has caused a shift in the club's transfer strategy.
The Daily Mail indicates that Arne Slot's team had contemplated a move for Bournemouth's wide forward Antoine Semenyo during the previous summer transfer window. However, the Reds were reluctant to obstruct the progress of Ngumoha, the 17-year-old sensation, and decided to change their transfer plan.
Ngumoha has already clocked up five appearances across all competitions this season, including netting a spectacular late Premier League winner from the bench against Newcastle at St. James' Park. Despite Slot's careful nurturing of his development, there's an undeniable excitement surrounding the young winger.
Nonetheless, Liverpool has appeared somewhat short on wing options of late, with the Reds reported to be among the Premier League clubs monitoring Semenyo.
The report suggests that the Cherries would demand upwards of £75 million ($100 million) for the 25-year-old, who has scored six goals and provided three assists in just eight Premier League matches.
Liverpool's interest is not yet advanced, but the Reds are one of several clubs keeping tabs on the forward.
Semenyo is a vital component of Andoni Iraola's team, and Bournemouth is under no pressure to offload its star player in January.
Bournemouth has already raked in a fortune from player sales in the recent summer window, including selling Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, Illia Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain, and Milos Kerkez to Liverpool.
Bournemouth has started the season on a high note, currently occupying fourth place and setting its sights on a European spot.
There are whispers that a hefty $100 million offer for Semenyo could bring Bournemouth to the negotiation table this summer.
It's believed both Tottenham and Manchester United expressed interest in the player last year.
Speculation is rife that the Ghana international has a release clause that activates in 2026, although these claims remain unconfirmed at present.
Chelsea and Bayern Munich are also reportedly interested in Semenyo, with the latter viewing the forward as a potential replacement for Michael Olise, should contract talks hit a roadblock.
Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes, who brought Semenyo from Bristol City in 2023 and maintains a strong relationship with Bournemouth, could be instrumental in any forthcoming transfer discussions.
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