'Completely wrong' Antoine Semenyo to Liverpool claim explained amid Man City transfer

Antoine Semenyo has impressed since making his switch from Bournemouth to Manchester City, but things could've been very different if he signed for rivals Liverpool instead.

Jamie Redknapp has disclosed that his father, Harry Redknapp, was behind claims suggesting Antoine Semenyo's switch to Man City wasn't finalised and that Liverpool could have emerged as an alternative destination.

The Ghana international had been strongly linked with a transfer to the Etihad Stadium, with the arrangements appearing merely procedural between Pep Guardiola's outfit and Bournemouth.

Yet, following his final appearance for the Cherries against Tottenham - during which he netted a 95th-minute winner - the pundit indicated a late change of direction was possible with a move to Liverpool but, within a day, that claim proved unfounded.

Host Mark Chapman poked fun at Redknapp during Sky Sports' broadcast of Newcastle United versus Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final, remarking: "Jamie thought he [Semenyo] was going to Liverpool at one point, our transfer guru over there."

Redknapp sought to explain the origin of the rumours regarding a potential turn of events in the transfer saga, responding: "I heard there was going to be a twist! And there wasn't! I'm not going to lie, Mark, sometimes you get information from people, and you expect better.

"On this occasion, my dad called me, he was at Bournemouth when Semenyo scored that incredible goal, and he said 'I think there might be a twist and he might be going to Liverpool'.

"I thought 'I'm going to say that on air'. I thought I had turned into Fabrizio Romano for five seconds, and I got it completely wrong."

The 26-year-old had caught the attention of several leading Premier League sides, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal all reportedly interested.

His ability with either foot, top-flight experience, flexibility across positions and overall quality made him an appealing target, so it comes as little shock that, consequently, Semenyo has made an instant impact within just a handful of matches for City.

The forward netted and provided an assist on his debut during a 10-1 thrashing of Exeter City in the FA Cup third round, before following that up by opening the scoring in his team's 2-0 victory against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.

Speaking afterward, Semenyo explained how the atmosphere has enabled him to adapt swiftly and support City's push in the latter stages of the season. He said: "Tough game today, but if we stuck in there, we knew we would get chances. I was in the right area to tap it in, and we were victorious, so I am happy.

"The whole environment here is perfect. Everyone is confident and wanting to achieve the best. I have come into that, and they helped with my confidence and made me feel welcome. It's been a lot but I have enjoyed it so far. I am picking things up very quickly and enjoying it.

"I am just taking the confidence I had from Bournemouth here and playing with a smile on my face. I am enjoying every moment... The second goal should have counted. The referee came and spoke to me and told me what was going on. It is what it is."

Whilst VAR drama denied Semenyo a third City strike, there was evident satisfaction in how his stint at his new club has begun. Guardiola was full of admiration for the January acquisition, telling Sky Sports: "We know Bournemouth did an incredible job with him and every time the ball arrives to him he always is there."

This means City hold the upper hand for a spot in the Carabao Cup final, while the winter addition will be hoping to tilt the Premier League title battle in his team's direction as well.