Liverpool target Antoine Semenyo to replace Salah in winter
Mohamed Salah's poor form (3 goals/11 matches) has prompted Liverpool to speed up their pursuit of Antoine Semenyo, the author of 6 goals/8 Premier League matches in 2025-26; the barrier is 75 million pounds.
The moment Mohamed Salah faced Senne Lammens and missed a chance in the second half against MU was a psychological breaking point at Anfield. From that poor start, with only 3 goals in 11 matches in all competitions, Liverpool were forced to act: Antoine Semenyo emerged as the number 1 target for the winter transfer window.
Key points and turning points
Salah, 33, extended his contract until June 2027 earlier this year, but a string of poor performances recently has prompted the Kop leadership to speed up their succession plans. The Egyptian star continued to be lackluster in the match against MU last weekend, missing a good chance in the second half. In the context of needing new attacking resources, Liverpool have clearly turned to Semenyo.
Semenyo deal: price, contract and competition
Semenyo is a Bournemouth mainstay and has scored six goals in eight Premier League games in 2025-26. In the summer, United and Tottenham made approaches but failed to meet Vitality Stadium's £75 million asking price. Last July, the Ghanaian winger signed a five-year deal with an undisclosed release clause—a detail that could complicate mid-season negotiations.
In terms of relations, Liverpool have maintained a channel of communication with Bournemouth following the Milos Kerkez deal, and sporting director Richard Hughes used to work at the south coast club. However, to convince Bournemouth to cede an important link in January, Liverpool will likely have to make a very attractive financial offer.
Tactical angle: why Liverpool is eyeing Semenyo
The question of Salah’s legacy is not just about goals, but also about his ability to cover the right flank and make a difference at high speed. Semenyo—a winger—offers a refreshing take on the flanks, giving Liverpool more direct attacks from the flanks and depth up front. In the long term, it’s a step towards redistributing the goalscoring and chance-creating roles that have been heavily reliant on Salah for several seasons.
Numbers speak for themselves.
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Salah 2025-26 (all competitions) | 3 goals/11 matches |
| Match against MU (second half) | Missed the chance to face goalkeeper Senne Lammens |
| Semenyo in the Premier League 2025-26 | 6 goals/8 matches |
| Bournemouth asking price | 75 million pounds |
| Salah contract | By 06/2027 |
| Semenyo contract | 5-year extension in July; release clause undisclosed |
| Summer Care | MU, Tottenham (not reaching price) |
| Contact Channel | Milos Kerkez has just joined from Bournemouth; Richard Hughes used to work there |
Prospects and impacts
If completed, the Semenyo deal would mark a significant step in Liverpool’s mid-season rebuilding of the attack, and lay the groundwork for a transition to the right wing. But with a £75m price tag and Bournemouth’s long-term contract, it will require financial determination and timing from the Reds.
