26 Apr 2026 17:54 BST |
4 min read
Steven Gerrard has admitted his ‘hurt’ at two players Liverpool missed out on signing this season who he believes could have changed the trajectory of Arne Slot’s side this season.
Liverpool have endured a disappointing campaign which has seen them fail to mount a serious defence of their title and instead battling for Champions League qualification going into the final four matches of the season.
Despite spending nearly €500 million on transfers this season, the Reds pursued but ultimately missed out on Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo, both of whom went on to join Manchester City in January, which Gerrard was left rueing on behalf of his former club.
“They should be playing for Liverpool, so that hurts even more,” Gerrard told TNT Sports before City’s FA Cup win over Southampton on Saturday. “We were linked with two of those players and that would have made a big difference to Liverpool.
“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.
“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.”
Guehi and Semenyo: Liverpool’s loss has been Manchester City’s gain
Guehi was the closest to joining Liverpool, having agreed a deal to move to Anfield on transfer deadline day last summer only for Crystal Palace to pull out of the deal in the final minutes of the window after failing to secure a replacement.
Liverpool ultimately never revived their interest and Guehi eventually joined City for €23m in January after Palace opted to cash in on the England international with his contract expiring at the end of the season.
Semenyo, meanwhile, was heavily pursued by Liverpool leading into the January window but they seemingly hesitated on triggering the 26-year-old’s €72m release clause, allowing City to pounce.
Both players have since become crucial figures for City, with Guehi featuring in almost every minute of every match since signing, while Semenyo has scored five goals in 12 Premier League appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side.
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