Man City 3-0 Liverpool: Match Review
Liverpool are among the clubs who have been linked with Antoine Semenyo heading into the January transfer window.
It’s a deal that many fans are hoping for.
The thought of Antoine Semenyo being added to Liverpool’s attack is a mouthwatering prospect - for the present and the future. While the Reds spent circa £450 million in the summer transfer window, adding Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz to their forward options, there seems to be a missing link.
Arne Slot has quality, there is no doubt about it. But survey supporters who head to Anfield for Saturday’s clash against Nottingham Forest and there will be significant numbers who have some concerns about the wide options. Wirtz and Ekitike can operate on the left-hand side but do not perhaps see themselves as naturals. Cody Gakpo is the only senior recognised option but he has had some problems with form. Some feel the lack of competition following the sale of Luis Diaz has caused Gakpo’s drop.
Even Slot might be scratching his head at Salah’s dip after plundering 34 goals last season. Liverpool’s supposed talisman has largely struggled with his performances and there is no natural replacement. Federico Chiesa continues to be overlooked for a starting spot and it’s still not clear where Jeremie Frimpong - currently sidelined with a hamstring injury - is best positionally. Sooner or later, a successor for Salah will be required.
Of course, Liverpool’s frontline is not the only reason why they are eight points behind Arsenal and their title defence is virtually over by November. But Semenyo would upgrade the Reds’ attack. The 25-year-old has already fired six goals and three assists in 11 Premier League games. He is on an upward trajectory and, bar Erling Haaland, may be the best frontman in the division this term.
‘Couldn’t be more happy’
When Bournemouth tied down Semenyo to a new deal last summer, it was regarded as astute. They had already sold three of their prized assets, including Milos Kerkez to Liverpool, but kept their premium forward. However, it might not be a Cherry for much longer given that he has a £65 million release clause in his Vitality Stadium contract. Bournemouth would no doubt have hoped that it would not be made public. Now they will be powerless if a club meets that figure.
Certainly, Bournemouth felt he would remain for the entire 2025-26 campaign. Speaking to talkSPORT last month, managing director Tiago Pinto told of his delight that Demenyo committed his future. Pinto said: “Antoine has been amazing this season I think he's a lovely player, a lovely boy. For us, it was amazing to feel that he would be happy to stay one more season even if other clubs were around him. I think he scored eight or nine goals this season, so we couldn't be more happy."
Semenyo has not had a conventional route to the Premier League. He was rejected by the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham and Crystal Palace as a teenager before being signed by Bristol City. Semenyo had loan spells in non-league, League Two and League One before establishing himself in the Championship and then earning a move to Bournemouth.
‘A special career’
Aged 25, he is yet to hit his peak. And Cherries head coach Andoni Iraola has refused to put a ceiling on the Ghana international’s potential. Speaking to NBC Sports, Iraola said:” He has [had] a special career, I would say. He doesn't come from a big academy; he has had to earn every position. He has played in League Two, League One, the Championship. When I arrived, he was playing as a No.9, he was injured in that moment and he was feeling more free [on the] outside.
“You need to give space to Antoine and want to put him facing the opposition goal. He has been improving every season and that's why we cannot put a ceiling because let's keep pushing and adding to things to your game because we don't know where you could arrive.”
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