Agbonlahor urges Liverpool to poach two City stars after FFP guilty verdict

In the shadow of the Etihad Stadium, former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor outlined a bold plan for Liverpool, naming left‑back Nico O’Reilly and winger Antoine Semenyo as the perfect recruits should Manchester City be relegated after a Premier League Financial Fair Play verdict.

FFP verdict shakes City

Last Friday, The Athletic reported that Manchester City were found guilty of 114 out of 115 Premier League FFP charges. The independent commission’s decision has yet to be confirmed by either the Premier League or the club.

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak posted a statement on the club’s website urging Etihad faithful to remain calm and ignore outside noise, while sources told TEAMtalk’s transfer insider Graeme Bailey that the club intends to appeal.

Potential fallout and Liverpool’s needs

If the appeal fails, the sanction could see City expelled from the Premier League, opening the door to relegation. In that scenario, Agbonlahor argued Liverpool should act swiftly, citing their current left‑back problems – Milos Kerkez’s inconsistent season and Kostas Tsimikas serving as backup. Agbonlahor recalled Liverpool’s earlier interest in Semenyo, which was thwarted when Manchester City signed the Ghana international from Bournemouth in January 2026. Agbonlahor said: “Nico O’Reilly – I would say Liverpool.” They are dying for a left‑back. Tsimikas is their second choice, Kerkez hasn’t been at their level. I think that would be a great move.”

He added: “I am going Semenyo to Liverpool. Liverpool, he walks into their side on the left‑hand side or right‑hand side. He is the perfect player for Liverpool.”

The former striker’s comments highlight a potential miss for Liverpool if they do not secure either player before any City sanctions are finalised.