Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has disclosed that his own father, former manager Harry Redknapp, was the source of incorrect transfer information suggesting Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo was set for a late switch to Liverpool.
The On-Air Claim That Backfired
In January 2026, as Antoine Semenyo's £60 million transfer to Manchester City appeared to be reaching its conclusion, Jamie Redknapp suggested a dramatic twist was imminent. Speaking after Semenyo scored a 95th-minute winner for Bournemouth against Tottenham in what seemed his final Cherries appearance, Redknapp hinted the Ghana international might be heading to Anfield instead of the Etihad.
That prediction proved to be "completely wrong", as Redknapp himself later admitted. Just one day after his on-air comments, Semenyo's move to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City was officially confirmed, with the player signing a long-term deal.
Revealing the Source: A Call from Dad
The origins of the erroneous tip were revealed during Sky Sports' coverage of the Carabao Cup semi-final between Newcastle United and Manchester City. Presenter Mark Chapman teased Redknapp, calling him the broadcast's "transfer guru" in reference to the Liverpool claim.
Redknapp then clarified the situation, explaining he had received a phone call from his father, Harry. "On this occasion, my dad called me," Jamie stated. "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’."
He added humorously, "I thought I had turned into Fabrizio Romano for five seconds, and I got it completely wrong." Harry Redknapp's connection to Bournemouth is significant; he managed the club from 1983 to 1992, securing promotions and winning the Associate Members' Cup.
Semenyo's Swift Impact at Manchester City
Despite the transfer saga, Antoine Semenyo has immediately justified his price tag at his new club. The 26-year-old forward made a spectacular start to his City career, scoring and assisting on his debut in a 10-1 FA Cup thrashing of Exeter City.
He followed that by scoring the opening goal in City's 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg victory over Newcastle – the very match where Redknapp's source was discussed. Semenyo expressed delight with his fast integration, citing the "perfect" environment at the club. "I am picking things up very quickly and enjoying it," he said after the Newcastle game.
Manager Pep Guardiola has also been effusive in his praise for the January signing, highlighting the player's instinctive positioning. With Semenyo's early form, Manchester City have strengthened their squad significantly as they compete on multiple fronts in the second half of the 2025-26 season.
