Stephen Warnock gives Liverpool Antoine Semenyo verdict as $87M transfer looms

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Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has claimed missing out on Antoine Semenyo might not be as big a blow for the Reds as some think, with Manchester City reportedly set to activate his release clause

Stephen Warnock has spoken on Antoine Semenyo's proposed move to Manchester City(Image: BBC)

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has suggested that failing to secure Antoine Semenyo might not be the devastating blow for the Reds that many believe it to be.

Semenyo looks set to join Manchester City after the Citizens triggered the player's £65 million ($87.8 million) release clause, with a medical scheduled for Wednesday. Liverpool had been tracking the skilful winger for a considerable amount of time.

Manchester United and Tottenham were also eager to land the 25-year-old, but it appears Pep Guardiola has emerged victorious in the battle for one of the Premier League's most coveted talents. Semenyo is versatile enough to operate as a striker, on either flank, and has netted 19 league goals since his move from Bristol City to Bournemouth in 2023.

However, Warnock remains unconvinced that the Ghana international would successfully adjust to life at a club of Liverpool's size.

"I think they eventually have to find someone on that right-hand side," Warnock told aceodds.com when Liverpool was still in the race to sign Semenyo from Bournemouth. "Semenyo has been mentioned as a player who potentially could be that player."

Drawing parallels with Millos Kerkez's challenging transition to Anfield following his switch from Bournemouth, he continued: "There is a difference between playing for Bournemouth and Liverpool. We have seen it with Milos Kerkez as well; that was the same scenario.

Antoine Semenyo during Bournemouth's draw with Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)

"He is the perfect case to look at when it comes to the person and the pressure to be at Liverpool. 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 providing goals and assists week in week out?

"Before the match against Man 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. One thing you have to look at when finding a new player is how quickly he can adapt to the Premier League, and he already knows the Premier League.

"Everything will just be about how he can adapt playing for Liverpool."

However, Jermaine Jenas believes that Liverpool would be the ideal club for Semenyo - a view shared by many disheartened Liverpool supporters. "Semenyo would be perfect for Liverpool," he expressed to 10bet.

"More than replacing a potential Mo Salah departure, I think it's addressing Luis Diaz's exit. I think Cody Gakpo is a little bit predictable at times, and I think someone with a little bit more of a dynamic edge to them down that left-hand side would be good."