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Semenyo Chooses City Over Liverpool: The Two Hidden Reasons Behind the Anfield Snub

4 January 2026

Semenyo Chooses City Over Liverpool: The Two Hidden Reasons Behind the Anfield Snub
Semenyo’s proposed move to City edges out the Reds amid wage talks.

Why Semenyo Snubbed Liverpool

A British report on Sunday details the reasons behind Liverpool’s cooling interest in signing Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, with Semenyo reportedly leaning toward a Manchester City switch.

Semenyo was nearing a move to Manchester City in this winter window, according to reports from England.

Liverpool had long been linked with Semenyo, especially amid talk of a potential Mohamed Salah departure.

According to TEAMtalk, Semenyo rejected the chance to join Liverpool due to salary disagreements.

The report adds Liverpool was not prepared to pay as much as 180,000 pounds per week, which he would earn at City.

The Salary Gap and Liverpool's January Strategy

The piece notes Semenyo had shown interest in joining Liverpool earlier, but City's negotiations and the hefty wage on offer led him to back away from the Reds.

The report also states Liverpool pulled back on Semenyo's signing, with Fenway Sports Group keen on keeping Mohamed Salah in January.

And that concludes the gist: City’s wage offer won the race, while Liverpool faced the reality that bigger paychecks still win the day, especially in a January scramble.

Punchline time: In football, the money talks louder than a packed stadium, and apparently louder than a captain’s armband too. Punchline two: Semenyo swiped right on City and left Liverpool on read—welcome to the era of the transfer app, folks.

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Semenyo choose Manchester City over Liverpool?

Reports cite salary offers as the decisive factor, with City allegedly presenting a significantly higher weekly wage than Liverpool.

Was Liverpool unwilling to pay the wage Semenyo demanded?

Yes, the article notes Liverpool was not prepared to reach the estimated 180,000 pounds per week."

What is the role of Fenway Sports Group in this saga?

The piece mentions FSG’s stance on keeping Mohamed Salah in January, influencing the club’s transfer strategy.