Jamie Redknapp left with egg on his face as $87M Liverpool prediction backfires

Jamie Redknapp suggested Liverpool could still sign Antoine Semenyo, but two days later, the forward completed a £65 million ($87.2 million) move to Manchester City instead

Jamie Redknapp's suggestion of a Liverpool transfer for Antoine Semenyo has been destroyed(Image: Getty Images)

With the January transfer window now into its second week, Liverpool is poised to intensify its efforts to bolster Arne Slot's squad for a strong finish to the campaign.

Despite splashing out more than $500 million on signings during the summer, there remain obvious areas for the recruitment team to address in the upcoming windows – be that now or in the summer.

Defense is one position of particular focus, but there's also the prospect of bringing in a winger capable of making an instant contribution to the side. Consequently, there has been speculation linking the club with a potential acquisition from the Premier League, particularly Antoine Semenyo, who has been on Liverpool's watchlist for some time.

As things developed, though, it appeared a transfer to Manchester City was more likely than a potential move to Anfield this winter, with a £65 million ($87.2 million) release clause making him an attractive proposition in the market.

While a deal to City seemed wrapped up, pundit Jamie Redknapp threw a spanner in the works when he hinted that a move to Liverpool remained a possibility.

Speaking on Sky Sports on 7 January, Redknapp said: "I'm not so sure. I've heard there might be a little bit of a twist. I think Liverpool could still be in the equation.

Antoine Semenyo has joined Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)

"I think that, I've got to be honest, I think if they did come in - why they perhaps haven't come in as strongly, I'm surprised. If you look at that position, with Mohamed Salah and how long he's going to be at the club for, we don't quite know. If you've got a player of that quality and he shows he's a matchwinner, he turns up in the big moments.

"Why wouldn't you be in for him? I'm not saying it's a Sky Sports breaking news moment, but all I'm saying is, I've heard tonight that it might not be the forgone conclusion that he's going to be having a medical at Man City. There might still be a little twist, and I hope so."

While that may have given supporters a glimmer of hope that the versatile attacker could don the red shirt rather than sky blue, those dreams were soon crushed.

Just 48 hours later, Semenyo's transfer to City was officially announced, with the club unveiling its new No. 42 for all to see.

Speaking about his decision to join Liverpool's rivals, he told the official Man City website: "I am so proud to have joined Manchester City. I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League as well as achieving amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup.

"They have set the highest of standards, and it's a club with world-class players, world-class facilities, and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep. I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It's a real privilege to be here.

"My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that. And City are in a great position – still involved in four competitions. I really feel I can help them have a strong second half of the season.

"The Etihad is my new home. I can't wait to play in front of the fans here, and I hope to show everyone what I can do."