In a significant development for Liverpool’s forward line, Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo appears to be edging nearer to a move to Anfield, with the Cherries already identifying a potential replacement for the Ghanaian international.
This comes amid growing uncertainty over Mohamed Salah’s future at the club, positioning Semenyo as a prime candidate to step into the Egyptian’s shoes.
The 25-year-old Semenyo has been on Liverpool’s radar as they prepare for life after Salah, whose contract runs until 2027 but whose departure now seems increasingly likely.
Salah’s recent interview comments during Liverpool’s match at Leeds sparked widespread speculation, and with the winger currently representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, sporting director Richard Hughes is under pressure to resolve the situation before the tournament concludes Sources indicate that Salah could attract interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia or even San Diego FC in Major League Soccer. Should he depart, Liverpool’s hierarchy is determined to secure a suitable successor, and Semenyo fits the bill perfectly. The versatile forward, capable of playing across the front line, has impressed since joining Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023 for around £10 million. His rapid rise has seen him become a key player for the South Coast club, where he is contracted until 2030.
A £65 million release clause in Semenyo’s contract is set to activate in the January transfer window, making a mid-season move feasible. According to reports from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are ready to battle it out for his signature, even as Manchester City emerge as frontrunners. Tottenham Hotspur, who nearly sealed a deal for Semenyo last summer, are also in the mix, setting the stage for a competitive pursuit.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot reportedly views Semenyo as the ideal long-term heir to Salah, whose potential exit has accelerated faster than anticipated. “Arne Slot envisions Semenyo as Mohamed Salah’s long-term heir,” the report states. “The Egyptian icon might be on the way out of Anfield sooner than anyone had anticipated just a few weeks ago.”
Adding fuel to the speculation, Bournemouth are proactively planning for Semenyo’s possible departure. The club is eyeing a loan move for Sporting CP’s teenage sensation Geovany Quenda, an 18-year-old Portuguese winger set to join Chelsea in the summer of 2026. With Chelsea open to loaning Quenda out immediately for development, Bournemouth has positioned itself as a prime destination. “The Cherries are eyeing replacements like Sporting’s Geovany Quenda, who will join Chelsea in the summer but could be loaned straight out,” the report adds.
This strategic move by Bournemouth underscores their acceptance that Semenyo’s time at the Vitality Stadium may be drawing to a close, especially under the watchful eye of former Bournemouth sporting director Richard Hughes, now at Liverpool, who orchestrated Semenyo’s initial transfer.
While links to other talents like Michael Olise and Yan Diomande have surfaced, Semenyo’s profile—combining pace, power, and Premier League experience—makes him the standout option for Slot’s system. As the January window approaches, all eyes will be on whether Liverpool can outmaneuver their rivals to secure the deal.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
