Liverpool are in the hunt for Bournemouth frontman Antoine Semenyo, but face competition from Newcastle as Arne Slot considers whether to loan out some of his young talent
Liverpool were quiet in the summer transfer market but it hasn’t impacted on their season.
Now as we find ourselves in January Arne Slot appears open to business with the Reds in the hunt for every tournament, albeit they are now dealing with some injuries, especially in their backline. The New Year is a difficult time to conduct business, but deals can still be struck.
A lot of the noise surrounding Liverpool is about possible exits. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah both have just months to run of their current deals and moves away are being discussed.
Here’s the latest news from Anfield.
Reds in race for Semenyo
Liverpool are one of several Premier League side courting Antoine Semenyo, with Bournemouth braced for transfer interest in their star forward. The Ghana international has been one of the Cherries top performers this season.
Semenyo is now being targeted for a blockbuster transfer with Liverpool and Newcastle named as two of the teams interested in the former Bristol City man, who is valued at £50m.
Any potential deal, be it in January or at the end of the season, could be aided by Bournemouth’s interest in Liverpool’s Ben Doak. The teenage winger has flourished on loan in the Championship with Middlesbrough and could go in the opposite direction if Semenyo were to end up heading to Anfield.
Slot coy on youngster loan
Slot has backed Jayden Danns, tipping the youngster for a ‘very good career’ after scoring in Liverpool’s 4-0 thrashing of Accrington Stanley. The manager though confessed he’s in the dark about whether the striker will head out on loan this January. The 18 year-old made an impact as a substitute.
Danns had been due to leave Anfield on loan last summer in order to get regular action, but was forced to curtail those plans after an injury setback. He made a mark on his return with a substitute cameo against Southampton in the League Cup and then bagged his first goal of the season on Saturday.
And while Slot remains uncertain about Danns’ immediate future, he has given him a glowing review: “The last thing [going out on loan in January], I don’t know at the moment. For us, it [today] was all about the players who hadn’t played that much yet, to give them playing time.
Endo’s new role
Wataru Endo has found opportunities hard to come by under Slot but the Japan midfielder could find more minutes in the backline – with the player remaining calm with his situation at Anfield.
He is yet to start a game with his appearances limited to the cup competitions. He deputised at centre-back and showed his versatility. “I don’t get frustrated or anything like that, I always try to get ready to help the team,” said Endo. “Of course I want to play every game but we need everyone in the squad. The thing I can do is prepare for every game.
Endo also added: “Now Joey has got an injury and Ibou [Konate] is just coming back so that’s why I played. The manager also thinks putting me as a defender is a good option to play his tactics so I hope I’m going to get a lot more minutes than before.”
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Learn more