Steven Gerrard laments Liverpool's failure to sign Guehi and Semenyo
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has publicly questioned the club's ownership for missing out on the signings of Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo, who both joined Manchester City in the recent transfer window. Speaking on TNT Sports ahead of the FA Cup semi-final, Gerrard suggested the pair "should be playing for Liverpool" and that their acquisition by a direct rival represents a significant blunder.
According to Gerrard's comments, Liverpool were heavily linked with both players before City secured the deals for a combined fee reported to be just over £80 million. Centre-back Guehi joined from Crystal Palace, while winger Semenyo arrived from an unspecified club, with both positions identified as areas Liverpool will need to address in the upcoming summer transfer window. The former Reds captain described the pair as "two bargains" in the current market, highlighting their experience, prime-age status, and international pedigree.
The context of Gerrard's critique is a difficult season for Liverpool under manager Arne Slot. Despite a summer 2025 spending spree of nearly £450 million on players including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, the club has failed to mount a serious title defence and is currently focused on securing Champions League qualification. The January transfer window saw Liverpool agree only a future deal for Rennes's Jeremy Jacquet, a lack of activity that has drawn criticism as the squad's limitations have been exposed.
In contrast, the arrival of Guehi and Semenyo at the Etihad is credited with providing Manchester City a crucial spark in their pursuit of Arsenal at the top of the table. Gerrard noted that the two signings have helped "kick City on at the right time," directly strengthening a key rival while Liverpool's own recruitment stalled. His remarks underscore growing scrutiny on Fenway Sports Group's transfer strategy and its ability to compete financially with the state-backed power of City.
The public nature of Gerrard's comments, from a club icon and former captain, adds significant weight to the debate surrounding Liverpool's direction. With a major summer rebuild anticipated, pressure is mounting on Slot and the recruitment team to deliver impactful signings that can close the gap to the league's elite. The failure to secure Guehi and Semenyo, two Premier League-proven talents, will likely be cited as a case study in missed opportunity unless the club's subsequent business proves transformative.
