Liverpool’s January transfer blueprint has taken an unexpected turn after fresh reports suggested Manchester City are preparing to activate Antoine Semenyo’s £65 million release clause — a move that would rip the Bournemouth forward straight out of Arne Slot’s winter plans.
Semenyo, who has been one of the Premier League’s standout attackers this season with six goals and three assists, has been a priority target for Liverpool since the summer. Sporting Director Richard Hughes has been leading the chase, especially with Mohamed Salah expected to miss several games during the upcoming AFCON tournament.
But with City now circling and ready to strike, sources familiar with the situation say Liverpool have already switched to “Plan B,” dusting off an alternative shortlist designed to keep the club competitive across all competitions should Semenyo slip away.
Below are the four attacking options Liverpool are now weighing up:
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🔴 Kenan Yıldız (Juventus)
The 18-year-old Turkish prodigy is high on Liverpool’s long-term radar. Yıldız recently broke a longstanding Juventus record once held by Alessandro Del Piero, marking him as one of the most exciting young forwards in Italy. Liverpool view him as a future superstar, though Juventus are highly unlikely to sanction a January departure.
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🔴 Rodrygo Goes (Real Madrid)
Rodrygo’s uncertain role at Real Madrid has opened a small window of opportunity. Liverpool have reportedly made informal approaches to his camp to assess whether the Brazilian would entertain a Premier League switch. His Champions League pedigree and ability to play across the front line make him an ideal fit — but Real Madrid’s willingness to sell remains the biggest obstacle.
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🔴 Iliman Ndiaye (Everton)
The most realistic short-term option. Ndiaye’s pace, drive, and ability to unbalance defenders align perfectly with Slot’s tactical demands. However, securing a deal with Everton is never simple. The Merseyside rivalry adds layers of politics and logistics, even though Liverpool admire the Senegalese attacker’s profile.
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🔴 Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Olise is viewed as Liverpool’s big-picture target for 2026. The Bayern Munich winger — agile, technical, and creative — fits the mould of a long-term replacement for Salah. While Liverpool love the player, Bayern are not expected to entertain any offers until next summer, making him part of the long-term strategy rather than an immediate fix.
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