Redknapp Hints at Curveball in Semenyo Deal as Liverpool Urged to Make Late Move

Jamie Redknapp has cast doubt on the widely-assumed certainty of Antoine Semenyo's transfer to Manchester City, suggesting the move may not be quite as straightforward as it appears on the surface.

With Manchester City having already triggered Semenyo's £65m release clause at Bournemouth, the expectation has been that the winger would imminently undergo his medical at the Etihad. Yet Redknapp's latest comments hint that complications could yet emerge.

"I've heard tonight that it might not be the foregone conclusion that everyone's talking about that he's going to be having a medical at Man City," Redknapp declared on Sky Sports. "There might still be a little twist."

The Bournemouth forward struck an injury-time winner against Liverpool in what many assumed would be his final outing for the south-coast club. While his departure still looks probable, Redknapp's intervention suggests his destination is suddenly less certain than previously thought.

The former Liverpool midfielder has urged his old club to capitalize on any potential opening, viewing Semenyo as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.

"I think Liverpool could still be in the equation," Redknapp suggested. "I've got to be honest, why they haven't come in strongly, I'm surprised. If you look at that position, with Mohamed Salah and what happens to him, how long he's going to be at the club for, we don't quite know. But if you've got a player of that quality and he shows you he's a match-winner, turns up in the big moments, why wouldn't you be in for him?"

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola had appeared to confirm Semenyo's imminent exit following the Tottenham fixture, suggesting the winger's time on the south coast was drawing to a close.

"That was a lovely moment for Antoine," Iraola reflected. "Sometimes football gives you these things. He has been top, he has given everything and been committed until the end. I think it is good football gives him back this moment. There are still formalities in his transfer. I'm afraid to say because I don't want to lose him, but that looks like it will be his last moments with us."

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano had declared the move a done deal before the Spurs encounter, confirming that medical arrangements were already locked in.

"Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City is done. The medical has been booked and everything is ready," Romano stated. "I told you there were no issues and no doubts. Semenyo will play for Manchester City and the here we go is coming. He will complete the move after playing his final game for Bournemouth, and then he will start working under Pep Guardiola."