Jamie Redknapp reveals truth behind Antoine Semenyo to Liverpool claim before Man City transfer

Jamie Redknapp has admitted his father Harry Redknapp was the source behind claims Antoine Semenyo could join Liverpool instead of Manchester City, but the £60m striker moved to City and has scored in his opening games

Jamie Redknapp has discussed the transfer information he received on Antoine Semenyo(Image: (Photo by Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images))

Jamie Redknapp has disclosed that his father, Harry Redknapp, was the one who hinted at a potential twist in Antoine Semenyo's transfer saga, suggesting that a move to Liverpool could have been on the horizon instead of Man City.

The Ghanaian international was strongly linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium, with Pep Guardiola's side seemingly close to finalising the deal with Bournemouth.

However, after playing his last match for the Cherries against Tottenham - where he netted a 95th-minute winner - the pundit hinted at a possible last-minute change of plans with a switch to Liverpool. This speculation was quickly quashed the following day when Semenyo completed his move to Man City.

During Sky Sports' coverage of the Carabao Cup semi-final between Newcastle United and Manchester City, presenter Mark Chapman teased Redknapp, saying: "Jamie thought he [Semenyo] was going to Liverpool at one point, our transfer guru over there."

Redknapp sought to explain the source of the rumoured plot twist in the transfer story, 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."

Harry Redknapp had previously been at the helm of Bournemouth, managing the club from 1983 to 1992 in his first managerial role. During his tenure, he guided the Cherries to promotion from both the Fourth and Third Divisions, whilst also securing an Associate Members' Cup.

His connection to Bournemouth could explain why Jamie Redknapp felt compelled to share his father's speculation on air. However, Semenyo's transfer to Man City proved straightforward, as he signed a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium.

Antoine Semenyo has hit the ground running since making his move to Manchester City(Image: (Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images))

The 26 year old was an appealing target for numerous top Premier League sides, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Arsenal all reportedly interested in securing his signature. His two-footedness, Premier League pedigree, adaptability and overall quality made him an enticing prospect.

Unsurprisingly, Semenyo has made an immediate impact at City, scoring and assisting in his debut during a 10-1 thrashing of Exeter City in the FA Cup third round. He followed this up by netting the first goal in his team's 2-0 victory over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.

Post-match, Semenyo spoke about how the club's atmosphere has helped him quickly adapt and contribute to City's mid-season push. He commented: "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."

Despite VAR controversy preventing Semenyo from claiming a third Man City goal, there was evident joy in the promising start to his career at his new club. Guardiola was full of commendation 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 puts City in a favourable position for a spot in the Carabao Cup final, while the winter recruit will be aiming to tip the Premier League title race in his team's favour as well.