Liverpool consider £65m move for Antoine Semenyo as experts warn defence should be the real priority

Liverpool are weighing up a £65 million bid for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, but several Premier League analysts argue that strengthening the defence is a more urgent need for the club.

According to multiple reports, Liverpool are “seriously evaluating” whether to activate Semenyo’s release clause — understood to be £60m plus £5m in add-ons — ahead of the January window. The 25-year-old Ghana international has impressed this season with his physical style, six goals and three assists, and is viewed as a strong fit for Arne Slot’s attacking approach.

However, experts, including former Premier League defender Scott Minto, believe Liverpool risk misallocating resources. They argue that the squad’s biggest weaknesses remain at the back, where injuries and inconsistency have exposed defensive gaps throughout the season. Minto specifically pointed to Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) as the type of signing that would bring immediate structural improvement.

Liverpool’s final decision is expected to weigh several factors, including squad balance, overall budget impact and competition from other clubs — with both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also reportedly monitoring Semenyo.

For betting markets and football-business stakeholders, the debate around Semenyo highlights shifting transfer priorities at Anfield and could influence January odds on incoming moves and Liverpool’s performance projections.