Featured
Liverpool Hijack Antonio Semenyo Deal from Manchester City in Stunning Transfer Twist
Liverpool have pulled off one of the most dramatic transfer hijacks of the season, beating Manchester City to the signature of Bournemouth forward Antonio Semenyo in a move that has sent shockwaves across the Premier League.
For weeks, Manchester City were believed to be leading the race for the Ghana international, with Pep Guardiola identifying Semenyo as a versatile attacking option capable of strengthening City’s depth across the front line. Advanced talks were reportedly underway, and confidence was growing at the Etihad that a deal was close to completion.
However, Liverpool entered the picture late—and decisively.
Late Liverpool Intervention
According to sources close to the negotiations, Liverpool’s recruitment team moved swiftly after learning that Semenyo was open to a move away from Bournemouth in January. The Reds made direct contact with the player’s representatives and Bournemouth officials, presenting a clearer sporting project and a more prominent role within the squad.
Liverpool’s offer not only matched Manchester City’s financial proposal but also appealed strongly to Semenyo’s desire for regular first-team football. With Jurgen Klopp (or Liverpool’s current manager) outlining a plan that positioned Semenyo as a key rotational starter rather than a squad option, the balance quickly shifted in Anfield’s favor.
Why Liverpool Wanted Semenyo
Antonio Semenyo has been one of Bournemouth’s standout performers, known for his pace, physicality, and direct attacking style. Comfortable playing across the front three, the 25-year-old brings intensity both on and off the ball—qualities Liverpool value highly in their pressing system.
His ability to operate on either wing or through the middle makes him an ideal addition as Liverpool look to bolster squad depth amid a demanding domestic and European schedule. Club insiders believe Semenyo’s profile fits perfectly with Liverpool’s high-energy attacking philosophy.
Bournemouth Accept Liverpool Bid
Bournemouth ultimately accepted Liverpool’s proposal after improved payment terms and performance-related add-ons were included. The structure of the deal reportedly suited the south coast club better than City’s initial offer, accelerating the agreement.
Medical checks are said to have been completed successfully, with official confirmation expected imminently.
Manchester City Left Frustrated
The late collapse of City’s pursuit has caused frustration behind the scenes, as the club believed the deal was close to being finalized. Liverpool’s decisive intervention once again highlights their reputation for quietly executing transfer strategies and striking at the right moment.
What This Means Going Forward
For Liverpool, the signing of Antonio Semenyo represents both a short-term boost and a long-term investment. His arrival adds competition, tactical flexibility, and much-needed depth as the Reds push on multiple fronts.
For Manchester City, it’s a rare reminder that even the most well-laid transfer plans can be undone by swift and strategic rivals.
One thing is certain: Liverpool’s hijack of the Antonio Semenyo deal could prove to be one of the defining transfer moments of the season.
Featured
A former PGMOL chief (Dermot Gallagher ) felt there was insufficient evidence to award a penalty, agreeing that the referee’s decision to play on was reasonable.
A former PGMOL chief (Dermot Gallagher ) felt there was insufficient evidence to award a penalty, agreeing that the referee’s decision to play on was reasonable. �
I searched for Dermot Gallagher’s comments specifically on the Jeremie Frimpong penalty controversy fromArsenal vs Liverpool yesterday (8 Jan 2026) and here’s the current picture:
🔍 Was Gallagher reported to have spoken on the Frimpong incident
Frimpong went down in the Arsenal box after a challenge, but no penalty was given by referee Anthony Taylor. �
The Guardian
The referee and VAR did not stop play or award a spot-kick, and the game continued into a 0–0 draw. �
📌 What did we find about ex-official opinions?
A former PGMOL chief (Keith Hackett) felt there was insufficient evidence to award a penalty, agreeing that the referee’s decision to play on was reasonable. �
Football Insider
🧠 About Dermot Gallagher and penalty analyses in general
In other recent matches, Gallagher has discussed penalties on Sky Sports’ “Ref Watch”, often focusing on whether VAR intervention was clear and obvious or whether the referee correctly applied law regarding touching the ball vs foul contact. �
Sky Sports
However, no current reliable source shows Gallagher commenting on the Frimpong incident specifically.
⚠️ Twitter/Unofficial mentions
There are some unverified social posts claiming he might have commented (e.g., that it “should have been a penalty” or phrasing like “It’s irrelevant after the game…”), but these aren’t from credible news outlets or confirmed quotes at this time. �
Threads
If you want, I can check again later once analysis shows up from Sky Sports or another primary broadcaster with official quotes from Dermot Gallagher on that exact Frimpong penalty call.
Analyse the numbers behind Liverpool’s goalless stalemate away against Arsenal in the Premier League.
The Reds took a point from their trip to Emirates Stadium on Thursday evening, extending their unbeaten run to 10 matches in the process too.
Explore statistics from the encounter via the Opta tools below.
Match Stats
Arsenal 0 0 Liverpool
English Premier League
08/01/26
GeneralDistributionAttack
Possession
47.6% 47.6%52.4% 52.4%
Duels success rate
48.5% 48.5%51.5% 51.5%
Aerial duels won
54.5% 54.5%45.5% 45.5%
Interceptions
7 78 8
Offsides
2 21 1
Corners won
3 30 0
Average Positions
Arsenal 0 0 Liverpool
HT 0-0
English Premier League
08/01/26
Venue
Emirates Stadium
Attendance
60,258
Referee
Anthony Taylor
Referee Anthony Taylor was in a good position to judge the challenge on Liverpool’s Jeremie Frimpong inside Arsenal’s penalty area.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that there was “insufficient evidence” to award a spot-kick at the Emirates on Thursday, 8 January.
With Mohamed Salah away with Egypt on international duty, Frimpong has been trusted in the right-wing position, and he caused issues for the Gunners’ back line on the counter-attack.
In the 35th minute, Mikel Arteta‘s side played on while the 25-year-old went down holding his ankle, with Liverpool fans crying out for a penalty against Piero Hincapie, but calls fell upon deaf ears.
Hackett has criticised Taylor previously in the season, but the referee was applauded for his actions on this occasion, much to the frustration of travelling fans.
Anthony Taylor spot-on to deny Jeremie Frimpong penalty shout
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Referee Anthony Taylor is in a good position, and there is insufficient evidence that there is contact. Therefore, play was allowed to continue.
“VAR, at this point, is in a position to look at various camera angles to seek and determine if the referee has made a clear and obvious error. There was no request for the referee to visit the pitch-side monitor.
In real time, there appeared to barely be a touch on the player, but upon watching the replays, there did appear to be a slight tangle of ankles, but unlikely to be enough for a penalty.
Liverpool could have been awarded a penalty in the second half
After picking up the first caution of the game, Leandro Trossard was involved once again, almost giving away a spot-kick just three minutes into the second half.
Bundling Florian Wirtz over in the box, Gary Neville blasted the player’s “clumsy” challenge, labelling it a “risk,” but after a VAR check, the Gunners got away with another controversial incident.
There were several controversial incidents during the game, but this was likely the most dangerous, with Trossard already walking a tightrope, having picked up his yellow card in the 12th minute.
While a VAR check ruled that the referee got the right decision, many will be in disagreement, and those arguments are bound to continue well beyond the final whistle.
-
Featured3 months agoVAR AND REFEREE ERROR Why Manchester United goal stood despite head injury to Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister
-
ARSENAL'2 months agoArsenal’s next five fixtures compared to Liverpool and Man City after Crystal Palace win
-
Liverpool3 months agoPremier League explains two controversial Liverpool penalty decisions as referee replaced
-
ARSENAL INJURY UPDATE2 months agoGabriel Jesus training footage sends clear message to Mikel Arteta ahead of Tottenham clash
-
Featured2 months agocentre-backs available THIS SUMMER for Liverpool FC
-
Arsenal predicted XI3 months agoFulham 0-1 Arsenal 69: NO PENALTY! Finally the decision is made. Anthony Taylor steps away from the screen and announces that Kevin played the ball. It seemed pretty clear but it took an age to get there.
-
Liverpool3 months agoGOAL! Brentford 2-1 Liverpool | Kerkez ’45+5
-
Arsenal predicted XI3 months agoFormer Arsenal star training with first-team ahead of Atletico Madrid