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Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy believes Antoine Semenyo could be the ideal heir to Mohamed Salah’s throne at Anfield — and feels he could offer the Reds something they don’t yet have.
Semenyo finds himself the subject of heightened transfer speculation as the January window approaches, with recent reports revealing that he has an $85 million (£65M) release clause in his contract.
The clause must be triggered by a specific deadline in order to give Bournemouth time to find a replacement, although there are suggestions that the Cherries have “reluctantly accepted” that it might not be able to stop Semenyo from leaving, even as early as the January window.
Liverpool is among the clubs to have been linked with the winger, with the Reds having already seen what Semenyo is capable of after he scored in Bournemouth’s 4-2 defeat at Anfield earlier this season.
The links with Semenyo come as Salah is yet again being touted for a potential move to Saudi Arabia, and Murphy feels there’s no reason why his former club shouldn’t be interested.
When it was put to him on talkSPORT that Liverpool already had enough with Salah and the signings made during the summer, Murphy responded: “Salah, when’s he playing well and fit, of course he is, but he’s not going to be there forever.
“If you can get Semenyo, if you think his attributes add quality and a different option, you’re going to be in the market for him at that price, because he’s so powerful.
“I did say on Monday as well that it would be unrealistic to think they’re going to bring him in without getting rid of one. I think they could easily let one go if he [Arne Slot] thinks he’s an upgrade.
“The one thing he gives you which Liverpool don’t have is this physical presence. He’s electric, he’s quick, but he’s great in the air and he’s two-footed. It’s an amazing, unique set of talents.
“The other question I was asking, and why we got to Liverpool, is what clubs would be interested in him?
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“I found it difficult to think that, if you’re at Liverpool, you’re looking at him and the price and thinking, why wouldn’t you be?
“He’s not super young, but I think it would be unusual if they weren’t in for him when you think of Salah and how long he’s got.”
Liverpool.com says: Semenyo will be a player worth keeping an eye on, and certainly, his current form makes him an attractive prospect.
The biggest question will be whether his form for Bournemouth can translate to the Reds, where he will be expected to fire regularly across all competitions, including the Champions League. Given that he will be turning 26 in a couple of months, Liverpool would have to be certain on that before making a move.
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