Ex-Liverpool star criticizes 'really stupid' transfer decision as Reds left behind

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Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has criticized the Reds for not pursuing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, with Manchester City now close to completing a deal

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot(Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Jermaine Pennant has criticized Liverpool, labeling his former club as 'really stupid' for not attempting to outbid Man City for the signature of Antoine Semenyo.

The Ghanaian international has been strongly linked with the Reds in recent times and was previously signed by sporting director Richard Hughes during his tenure at AFC Bournemouth. Despite being associated with interest in the forward, Liverpool has yet to make a move for the 25-year-old, with Semenyo seemingly on the brink of a switch to the Etihad instead.

Reports on Tuesday suggested that Man City is nearing a complete agreement with both Bournemouth and the player, as it aims to trigger his £65m ($87M) release clause.

Liverpool's attacking options are currently somewhat limited after Alexander Isak sustained a fractured leg while scoring in their win over Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month.

They chose not to sign a replacement for Luis Diaz in the summer, and are presently without the services of Mohamed Salah due to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Meanwhile, Cody Gakpo has only just returned from a muscle injury, and Juventus are reportedly considering a move to re-sign Federico Chiesa on loan according to reports from Italy.

Liverpool still have the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to call upon as attacking options. However, this hasn't stopped some fans from hoping to see the Reds strengthen their squad in January.

Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Brentford and Bournemouth at Gtech Community Stadium(Image: 2025 CameraSport)

Boyhood Liverpool supporter Pennant couldn't conceal his frustration at watching his former side pass up the opportunity to sign Semenyo.

"As a Liverpool fan, I'm really disappointed on the back of [Alexander] Isak getting injured, maybe out for the season," he said on talkSPORT. "[Mohamed] Salah being in AFCON and we already know the relationship with him, is he going to be leaving?

"So, for £65million in this day and age, a player of Antoine Semenyo's quality, you'd say it's kind of a bargain.

"And for them to not be in the conversation or say, 'We're interested as well', and approach Bournemouth on the back of what I've mentioned, is really stupid.

"He could be a player that could replace Salah long term as well. So when Salah does decide to leave, if it's in January or at the end of the season, you've got someone who is Premier League proven, which is absolutely vital.

"We've seen players come over to this league and they can't really cut it, but you know that he can."