Liverpool sent Antoine Semenyo transfer warning with comparison to $54M summer signing

Liverpool has been linked with Antoine Semenyo for some time, with the Bournemouth forward looking likely to be on the move this winter, potentially to sign for Manchester City

Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo is being tipped to move in January(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)

Liverpool has been warned that even signing Antoine Semenyo would not be a guarantee of an upgrade in Arne Slot's attack, with the Bournemouth forward looking likely to be on the move this winter.

Earlier this week, The Athletic reported that Manchester City was the preferred destination for the Ghana international, who has an $87 million (£65 million) release clause that can be activated from January 1.

Chelsea inquired about making a move but has since pulled out of the race and Manchester United was also thought to be keen, but Liverpool had been mentioned in some quarters in the weeks leading up to this point.

Nevertheless, former Reds defender Stephen Warnock is not convinced that Semenyo would be the perfect addition for Arne Slot. Though he is Premier League proven, his goalscoring form has dried up a little in recent weeks.

"I think they eventually have to find someone on that right-hand side," Warnock told Ace Odds. "Semenyo has been mentioned as a player who potentially could be that player. But there is a difference between playing for Bournemouth and Liverpool.

"We have seen it with ($54 million signing) Milos Kerkez as well, that was the same scenario. He is the perfect case to look at when it comes to the person and the pressure to be at Liverpool.

Antoine Semenyo has been linked with a move to Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)

"I like Semenyo. I think he is a brilliant player and I think he is very capable. But do we know whether he could cope with playing in a Liverpool shirt and provide goals and assists week in week out?

"Before the match against Manchester United, he had played seven matches without scoring. If he went seven matches without scoring for Liverpool, things would be a lot different. There would be a pressure on him, especially with the money he would cost.

"It might be something he embraces, it might be a challenge that would excite him. Maybe he would enjoy that pressure and thrive under that pressure.

"I like him and he is physically outstanding. I think he suits the Premier League. And one thing you have to look at when finding a new player is how quickly he can adapt to the Premier League.

"He already knows the Premier League. Everything would just be about how he can adapt to playing for Liverpool."

In the summer, Liverpool opted against signing another winger because it didn't want to block the pathway for Rio Ngumoha to emerge. However, the 17-year-old has barely played since and is unlikely to start regularly at that young age.

As well as potentially needing more depth in attack, Liverpool could do with another defender. Giovanni Leoni is a long-term absentee, with Joe Gomez currently sidelined with another injury setback.

Liverpool.com says: Semenyo is a good player, but as Warnock says, he would need to increase his output to justify the price tag at Anfield. At the age that he is (25), this might be very close to the finished product.