Liverpool are reportedly chasing Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo after his strong start to the season and have now been given encouragement to make a move for the winger
Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth
Antoine Semenyo is at centre of transfer speculation(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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Arne Slot may have been handed a boost in his pursuit of Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, after the club's general manager admitted the Cherries would find it hard to turn down a club of Liverpool's size. Tim Bezbatchenko, director of Black Knight Football Club and general manager at Bournemouth, was speaking on the Business of Sport podcast.
The former United States international was asked about the Cherries selling several prime assets this summer, including Milos Kerkez to the Reds and centre-back Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid. Bezbatchenko conceded that there are certain clubs that Bournemouth cannot say not to, mindful that they don't want to obstruct players taking on their dream clubs.
"When a club like Real Madrid, Liverpool, PSG come in and they're competing for Champions League positions, who are we to say, 'No, you can't go, you can't fulfil your dream'," he said. "No it wouldn't be like that for all clubs because not everyone is Real Madrid.
"But there is an opportunity and everybody wins right? I think that's what we're trying to find, this commonality where everybody can win."
Bezbatchenko's words will no doubt be music to the ears of Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes. Hughes was the man who originally brought Semenyo to Bournemouth in his former role at the Cherries and will be hoping Bezbatchenko's admission means the Reds can test Bournemouth resolve for the lightning-quick winger in January or the summer.
The Ghana international has scored six goals and bagged three assists in 11 Premier League games for Bournemouth so far this season. He also scored a brace at Anfield in Liverpool's opening weekend clash with the Cherries.
It’s understood that Semenyo has a release clause in his contract. However, while it’s unclear just how much the figure is, Bournemouth are said to value him at over £75 million.
Columbus Crew President & General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko addresses member of the media
Tim Bezbatchenko admitted he would do deals with clubs like Liverpool(Image: ©Icon Sportswire (A Division of XML Team Solutions) All Rights Reserved)
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Liverpool will face steep competition for the star should they elect to bid. Manchester United and Tottenham were linked with a summer move for Semenyo with Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim even said to have met the player for dinner at the end of last season.
It has been suggested Liverpool could make a move as soon as January with the Reds lacking the outlet and creativity of a speedy winger. With the departure of Luis Diaz, Reds boss Slot has found himself relying solely on Cody Gakpo on the left flank.
Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring against Liverpool
Semenyo scored twice against Liverpool earlier this season(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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Florian Wirtz has shown flashes of promise on the wing, but that doesn't appear to be where the manager envisages him long term. On the other side, Mohamed Salah is under genuine scrutiny for the first time in his legendary Anfield career.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has played down any prospect of Semenyo’s potential exit however. Asked about a release clause, the Spaniard remained elusive.
“I don’t know anything about the contracts of the players. I don’t know how much they earn and don’t want to know either," he said.
“The most important thing for me is that he continues playing well. If he does there will be more noise but it’s something we take if he’s playing well. My concern is to keep him in the spot where he’s playing well.”
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