Jamie Redknapp reveals source for 'completely wrong' Antoine Semenyo to Liverpool transfer news

Jamie Redknapp previously suggested a twist could have been in store for Antoine Semenyo and a transfer to Liverpool, but he ended up joining Manchester City where he has hit the ground running

Jamie Redknapp has discussed the transfer information he received on Man City's Antoine Semenyo amid previous links with Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images))

Jamie Redknapp has revealed that his dad, Harry Redknapp, was the source behind the suggestion that Antoine Semenyo's transfer to Man City was far from complete, and that a move to Liverpool could've been on the cards instead. The Ghanaian international was heavily linked with a switch to the Etihad Stadium, with the final details seemingly a formality between Pep Guardiola's side and Bournemouth.

However, after featuring in his final game for the Cherries against Tottenham - where he scored a 95th-minute winner - the pundit suggested a late U-turn was on the cards with a switch to Liverpool. Just a day later, that suggestion fell flat on its face, as Semenyo sealed his move to Man City for roughly £60m.

Presenter Mark Chapman poked fun at Redknapp on Sky Sports' coverage of Newcastle United vs Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final, when he said: "Jamie thought he [Semenyo] was going to Liverpool at one point, our transfer guru over there."

Redknapp looked to clarify where he heard the suggestions of a potential twist in the transfer tale, when he responded: "I heard there was going to be a twist! And there wasn't! I'm not going to lie, Mark, sometimes you get information from people, and you expect better.

"On this occasion, my dad called me, he was at Bournemouth when Semenyo scored that incredible goal, and he said ‘I think there might be a twist and he might be going to Liverpool’. I thought ‘I'm going to say that on air’. I thought I had turned into Fabrizio Romano for five seconds, and I got it completely wrong."

Harry Redknapp had previously managed Bournemouth, taking charge of the club from 1983 until 1992, which was his first managerial job. During that spell, he had helped the Cherries earn promotion from the Fourth and Third Division respectively, while also picking up an Associate Members' Cup.

Given his links to Bournemouth, that could explain Jamie Redknapp's insistence on airing those thoughts of his own father. Instead, Semenyo's move to Man City was a formality, as he put pen to paper on a long-term deal at the Etihad Stadium.

Antoine Semenyo has hit the ground running since making his move to Man City(Image: (Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images))

The 26-year-old was an attractive proposition for plenty of top Premier League clubs, as Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Arsenal were all linked with a move. His comfort in using both feet, combined with his Premier League experience, versatility and all-round quality offered plenty to be excited about.

It's no surprise that, as a result, Semenyo has hit the ground running within just a couple of games for City. The forward scored and assisted on debut as part of a 10-1 rout over Exeter City in the FA Cup third round, which was followed up by scoring the opener in his side's 2-0 win over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.

Speaking after the game, Semenyo revealed how the environment has helped him settle in quickly to help City push during the second half of the campaign. He said: "Tough game today, but if we stuck in there, we knew we would get chances. I was in the right area to tap it in, and we were victorious, so I am happy.

“The whole environment here is perfect. Everyone is confident and wanting to achieve the best. I have come into that, and they helped with my confidence and made me feel welcome. It’s been a lot but I have enjoyed it so far. I am picking things up very quickly and enjoying it.

“I am just taking the confidence I had from Bournemouth here and playing with a smile on my face. I am enjoying every moment... The second goal should have counted. The referee came and spoke to me and told me what was going on. It is what it is.”

While VAR controversy stopped Semenyo from having a third Man City goal to his name, there was clearly delight in how his career at his new club has started. Guardiola was glowing with praise for the January signing, as he told Sky Sports: "We know Bournemouth did an incredible job with him and every time the ball arrives to him he always is there.”

It means that it's advantage City for a place in the Carabao Cup final, while the winter arrival will be looking to swing the Premier League title race in his side's favour as well.

Source: Mirror