Football pundit Jamie Redknapp has openly discussed receiving faulty transfer information that suggested a late twist in Antoine Semenyo's big-money move, which ultimately saw him join Manchester City and not Liverpool.
The Pundit's 'Fabrizio Romano' Moment That Backfired
During Sky Sports' coverage of the Carabao Cup semi-final between Newcastle United and Manchester City, presenter Mark Chapman playfully called out Redknapp. He referenced the pundit's previous on-air suggestion that Semenyo might be heading to Anfield, just before the forward completed his £60 million transfer to the Etihad Stadium from Bournemouth.
Redknapp clarified the source of his information, admitting he got it "completely wrong." "I heard there was going to be a twist! And there wasn't!" he said. "On this occasion, my dad called me... he said 'I think there might be a twist and he might be going to Liverpool'. I thought I had turned into Fabrizio Romano for five seconds."
Harry Redknapp's Bournemouth Connection
The tip came from Jamie's father, Harry Redknapp, who has deep ties to Bournemouth. Harry managed the Cherries from 1983 to 1992, securing promotions and winning the Associate Members' Cup. He was present at the Vitality Stadium for Semenyo's final game, where the Ghanaian international scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner against Tottenham.
That dramatic moment seemingly fuelled the speculation of a late change of heart, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Arsenal all previously linked with the versatile forward. However, the move to Pep Guardiola's side was finalised the very next day.
Semenyo's Flying Start at Manchester City
Since the transfer saga concluded, Antoine Semenyo has immediately proven his worth at Manchester City. The 26-year-old made a spectacular debut, scoring and assisting in a 10-1 FA Cup thrashing of Exeter City.
He followed that by netting the opening goal in the 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg victory over Newcastle, the same match where Redknapp's comments were aired. Semenyo even had a second goal controversially disallowed by VAR.
Speaking after the Newcastle game, Semenyo praised the club's environment for his swift adaptation. "The whole environment here is perfect... I am picking things up very quickly and enjoying it," he said. Manager Pep Guardiola also offered glowing praise, highlighting the player's instinctive positioning and crediting Bournemouth for his development.
With Semenyo already making a tangible impact, Manchester City fans will care little about the redirected Liverpool rumours, focusing instead on his contribution to their pursuit of multiple trophies.
