Paul Merson urges Antoine Semenyo to make Liverpool transfer decision

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Paul Merson has called on Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo to decide on a potential move to Liverpool in January, urging the forward to act quickly amid growing speculation

A number of clubs are interested in Antoine Semenyo(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)

Paul Merson has urged Antoine Semenyo to make a decision over a potential Liverpool transfer, highlighting the need for clarity as speculation continues to mount around the winger's future.

The Reds face competition for the Bournemouth winger, whose $87 million release clause becomes active in the January transfer window. With Mohamed Salah’s future still uncertain, it makes sense for the Reds to consider adding a new winger this winter.

Tottenham is expected to miss out, but several other clubs are reportedly interested, with Manchester United and Manchester City said to have made contact this week. Despite a challenging start to the season, Liverpool is level on points with the Red Devils ahead of the clash with Spurs, and in recent years, the Reds have generally outperformed their rivals.

Merson has suggested that a move to Old Trafford might suit Semenyo better, citing the likely greater space against opponents and the reduced pressure compared to replacing Salah at Liverpool.

"Liverpool have been linked with wanting to sign him, but is that the perfect club for him?" Merson wrote in his Sportskeeda column.

"More teams have a go at Manchester United than Liverpool, and there is a lot of space on the pitch at Old Trafford.

Paul Merson believes Semenyo should choose United over Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

"When was the last time Salah went one-on-one with the goalkeeper? It doesn’t happen often with teams’ strategy against Liverpool. Semenyo is a willing runner, but he enjoys space on the pitch.

"Even though Liverpool are a better team than Manchester United, I ain’t so sure he fits perfectly at Anfield! There will also be the added pressure of replacing Salah."

When Liverpool spent over $300 million on three attackers this summer, all under 25, it appeared the team's forward line had been reshaped for the long term. However, examining the roles of that trio helps explain why Semenyo could be of interest.

Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are essentially competing for the central striker position, while Florian Wirtz was signed primarily to operate in his preferred role at the tip of midfield.

Semenyo's release clause is only active for the first two weeks of the window.

Given this timeline, it’s no surprise that clubs are beginning to intensify their pursuit. Semenyo’s short-term future is expected to be resolved within the next month.

If Liverpool decides to compete with United and City for his signature, the Reds could benefit from the insight of Richard Hughes.

Formerly Bournemouth’s sporting director, Hughes knows Semenyo well, having been instrumental in bringing him to the Premier League.