With Antoine Semenyo expected to join Man City in January, Liverpool’s links with three forwards over the summer could be revisited when the transfer window opens.
Liverpool have reportedly decided against a move for Bournemouth forward Semenyo, who has made clear his preference to move to Man City in a deal worth £65 million.
That could be considered a blow to the Premier League champions, particularly in the wake of Alexander Isak‘s long-term injury.
But it cannot be overlooked that Liverpool were repeatedly linked with moves for Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, Real Madrid‘s Rodrygo and Lyon’s Malick Fofana over the summer.
Who could Liverpool sign after Alexander Isak’s injury?
• Semenyo to City: Liverpool have reportedly opted out of the race for Antoine Semenyo, with the forward now expected to join Man City in a £65 million deal.
• Strategic shift: While the club initially protected Rio Ngumoha‘s pathway, Alexander Isaks‘s injury may force a rethink, with PSG’s Bradley Barcola an ideal candidate.
• Alternative targets: Real Madrid‘s Rodrygo remains a historic target for Michael Edwards, while interest in Lyon’s Malick Fofana persists despite the 20-year-old currently being sidelined.
At the time, the club opted out of another signing in the wide areas so as not to block the pathway of 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha.
The landscape may however have changed, with Ngumoha not playing a big part in the season so far and Arne Slot‘s attacking options dwindling – hence contact Bournemouth last month over a possible deal for Semenyo.
Bradley Barcola – PSG, 23
Barcola, a 23-year-old who can play across the forward line but is predominantly a left winger, appears the most suitable candidate.
Despite still starting regularly for PSG this season he continues to be linked with a move to Anfield and Liverpool’s interest dates back many years prior to his move to Paris from Lyon.
Rodrygo – Real Madrid, 24
Speculation around Rodrygo was quickly shot down by sources close to the club when approached by This Is Anfield in July, but as with Barcola, there is historic interest in the Brazilian.
Liverpool were in fact close to signing Rodrygo from Santos for just €3 million (£2.6m) back in 2016, only for the player to turn down a switch to Merseyside.
It was Rodrgyo’s “first official proposal,” according to his then-agent Nick Arcuri when speaking in 2020, with Michael Edwards said to be driver behind the pursuit – which could explain ongoing links.
Rodrygo, now 24, is also playing most of his football on the left wing but has found starts hard to come by under Xabi Alonso this season – with 14 of his 21 outings coming from the bench.
Malick Fofana – Lyon, 20
Finally, a move for Belgian winger Fofana can be all but ruled out for January, with the 20-year-old himself sidelined for the long term after picking up a serious ankle injury in October.
But when speaking to newspaper Het Belang van Limburg earlier this season, he did confirm interest from Liverpool.
“There was interest from those two clubs, but ultimately nothing concrete,” he said, with Chelsea also considering a move.
“I’ve considered a transfer, but now I think it’s more important that I play a lot, and that has to happen at Lyon. Because I still have some progress to make.”
| Player | Club (Age) | Apps | Goals | Assists | Market Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bradley Barcola | PSG (23) | 22 | 10 | 4 | €65m |
| Rodrygo | Real Madrid (24) | 21 | 4 | 3 | €110m |
| Malick Fofana | Lyon (20) | 11 | 2 | 1 | €30m |