Steven Gerrard has spoken candidly about the frustration he felt watching Liverpool FC miss out on two key transfer targets this season, with both players instead strengthening Manchester City at a decisive stage of the campaign.
It has been a challenging season for Liverpool under Arne Slot, with the club unable to sustain a strong title defence and now focused on securing a place in next season’s Champions League as the campaign approaches its closing stages.
Despite a significant spending in the transfer market — close to €500 million — Liverpool were unable to complete deals for Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo.
Both players ultimately joined Manchester City in January, a development Gerrard believes has had a tangible impact on the balance of the season.
Speaking before City’s FA Cup victory over Southampton, Gerrard did not hide his disappointment at seeing the duo line up for another club.
“They should be playing for Liverpool, so that hurts even more,” Gerrard told TNT Sports. “We were linked with two of those players and that would have made a big difference to Liverpool.”
Gerrard also pointed to the value City secured in bringing in both players, suggesting the deals represented strong business in a competitive market.
“But I’ve said it before on record. Two top, top players. And for the price that they got them in as well. One on a free [not quite]. One was, you know, £60 million. In today’s market, they’re two bargains.”
The former Liverpool captain’s remarks reflect both admiration for the players’ quality and frustration that they were not brought to Anfield when the opportunity arose.
Transfer near-misses and their impact
Guehi came closest to completing a move to Liverpool, with an agreement reportedly in place on transfer deadline day last summer.
However, the deal collapsed late on after Crystal Palace were unable to secure a replacement in time, forcing them to withdraw from negotiations.
Liverpool did not revisit the move in subsequent windows, and the defender eventually joined Manchester City in January for a reported €23 million, with Palace opting to sell before his contract expired.
The transfer has since been viewed as a shrewd acquisition by City, given Guehi’s consistency and composure in defence.
Semenyo’s situation followed a different path but led to a similar outcome.
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Liverpool had shown strong interest in the forward ahead of the January window but ultimately hesitated over activating his €72 million release clause. That pause allowed City to step in decisively and secure his signature.
Since arriving at the Etihad, both players have made an immediate impression. Guehi has been a near-constant presence in the side, featuring extensively and adding stability at the back.
Semenyo, meanwhile, has contributed five goals in just 12 Premier League appearances, offering pace and attacking threat during a crucial period of the season.
Gerrard believes these contributions have come at exactly the right moment for City, helping to maintain their momentum across competitions.
“Quality players, experienced, ready to go into the prime years of their career. International-level players. And what they’ve done is they’ve just helped kick City on at the right time.”
