In an era of data-driven recruitment, it may be a little old-fashioned to chase a player who has caught the eye against your team, although Liverpool must surely have been impressed by what they saw of Antoine Semenyo on the opening day.
That chaotic 4-2 win was the first sign that Arne Slot's champions wouldn't have it all their own way this season, yet even still, the performance of Bournemouth's chief threat was hard not to be dazzled by.
The Ghanaian led the way as the visitors mounted a stirring comeback in a frantic second half at Anfield, with his second of the night having been truly breathtaking, as he raced almost the length of the field before converting.
Some Federico Chiesa magic, alongside a Mohamed Salah clincher, ultimately burst the Bournemouth balloon, but Semenyo and co had more than run them close, with intrigue now mounting over what the 25-year-old could potentially do if unleashed into Slot's transitioning side in 2026.
Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring their first goal
He is, reportedly, a leading figure to potentially replace Salah next month, should the Egyptian depart, although he doesn't appear to be the only target.
Liverpool keeping tabs on perfect Semenyo alternative
As reported last week, there is a feeling that Semenyo has decided that he wants to join the Merseysiders, be it in January or next summer, with the versatile forward having a £65m release clause in his current deal, which can be triggered at the start of next month.
Premier League top scorers after game week 16
The suggestion that Anfield is his preferred destination bodes well for Liverpool's hopes of signing the seven-goal Premier League sensation, although there are a queue of clubs also chasing his signature, including Manchester United.
There might be a world in which FSG do miss out on the ex-Bristol City ace, while it would be wise not to put all their eggs in his basket regardless, with perhaps more left-field options also on the table.
Indeed, according to Italian outlet Tuttosport, Liverpool - alongside both Real Madrid and Chelsea - could be ready to pounce on the uncertainty over Kenan Yildiz's contract situation at Juventus, with the Turkish superstar yet to agree fresh terms with the Serie A side.
As per the report, the Old Lady do have a level of protection considering the 20-year-old's deal runs until 2029, although there is a sense that they need to ramp up talks to enhance his salary and status, such is the mounting interest in him.
While there is no inkling as to how much the Bianconeri could demand if they were to reluctantly cash in, previous reports have suggested he could command a fee of around £88m.
Why Yildiz would represent an even better signing than Semenyo
The likes of one-time wonderkid Michael Owen may suggest otherwise, but it is more important how a player progresses or ends their career, rather than necessarily how they start it, with Semenyo a clear example of persistence and patience.
Antoine Semenyo 2024-25 stats (timeless)-1
Previously rejected from top-flight academies, the in-demand speedster had to bide his time to even make his mark at former club Bristol, amid loan spells at the likes of Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland.
In truth, it has taken until the last 18 months or so for him to truly explode, registering 41 goals and assists in 94 games under Andoni Iraola on the south coast.
He is then something of a late bloomer, although in the case of Yildiz, his stock already seems to be soaring at the age of just 20, following a remarkable rise himself in recent seasons in Turin.
As already stated, the concern will be whether the youngster can maintain his levels, yet to already be a mainstay for one of Europe's top clubs at such a young age is testament to just what a talent he is.
Most Goals & Assists - U21 players*
Player
Lamine Yamal
Nico Paz
Yan Diomande
Said El Mala
Kenan Yildiz
Can Uzun
Arda Guler
*25/26 - Europe's top five leagues
Stats via Transfermarkt
For context, at 20, Semenyo was enduring a goalless loan spell in League One at the Stadium of Light.
Described by European football writer Danny Corcoran as having "Mbappe-like ability", Yildiz has racked up 12 goals and assists in all competitions this season, having previously racked up 21 goal involvements last term.
Again, for comparison, Semenyo has registered ten goals and assists in 2025/26, alongside registering 20 goal involvements last season, albeit from fewer games.
Capable of the spectacular from his left-sided role, Yildiz's burgeoning status has also been seen in him taking on the No.10 shirt at Juve, alongside even being handed the captain's armband away at Real Madrid this season, as noted by The Athletic's James Horncastle.
Juventus' Kenan Yildiz reacts
He is a player who "breaks games" in the view of manager Luciano Spalletti, possessing a magic quality that has already catapulted him to superstar status.
Semenyo, to his credit, has fought his way into becoming a shining light for one of the Premier League's upwardly mobile clubs, but in the case of Yildiz, Liverpool could potentially acquire a young diamond with an even higher ceiling.
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