iNews reports that Liverpool are considering a bold move for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo in January, with Mohamed Salah’s decline in form prompting reinforcements to join the squad quickly.
Tottenham and Manchester United both pursued the Ghana international in the last window, but the Reds have now emerged as early favorites to sign the in-form 25-year-old.
Crucially, the African Cup of Nations calendar could tip the equation, with Salah set to captain Egypt in the competition, but Ghana failed to qualify, meaning Semenyo will be available for a crowded league and cup program throughout January.
Salah’s standards are famously elite, but at a club with ambitions like Liverpool, even the slightest downturn is magnified.
Liverpool looking to cope with Salah’s absence
With the Reds juggling Premier League, domestic cup competitions and European contracts, the prospect of losing their main right-wing threat on international duty raises obvious concerns.
Enter Semenyo. The Bournemouth attacker has developed into an intense and direct wide player who has impressed this season with his goalscoring ability and all aspects of attack.
Also against the Merseyside club, Semenyo scored twice at Anfield on the opening day of the Premier League.
Comfortable on either wing or in the middle, he is a player who has taken his game to a new level this season and is currently the league’s second-leading scorer behind Erling Haaland with six goals.
Those qualities are not noticed. Spurs and United have scouted him in previous slots, with iNews reporting that Liverpool are currently considering a deal that could reach £75m.
Reds willing to pay big for Antoine Semenyo
The dynamics of AFCON are very important. If Liverpool agree to spend big, they will likely sign a forward who will be available during Salah’s absence.
Of course, there are complicating factors as well. Bournemouth will be reluctant to let go of key players midway through the season.
The presence of rival interest from Spurs and Man United points to his market value, but Liverpool’s sense of urgency could work in their favor and Semenyo may be tempted to move to Anfield to challenge for football’s biggest honour.
With a reported £75m price tag and Bournemouth’s resistance to a winter sale, negotiations will not be easy for Arne Slott and his recruitment team.
Report: Liverpool board decides on first-team ace’s personnel, leaving him likely to leave in January