16 hours ago
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Former Liverpool and Manchester United striker Michael Owen suggested midway through the previous season that Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo could be the ideal replacement for Mohamed Salah at Anfield.
At that point, Salah's long-term future at Liverpool was uncertain, and that situation has resurfaced. A year ago, the uncertainty revolved around Salah's expiring contract, but now it's due to an interview given to Liverpool.com and other media outlets at Leeds.
After being named as a substitute for the third consecutive Premier League match at the weekend, Salah, 33, questioned his relationship with head coach Arne Slot and hinted at a possible exit.
Consequently, Salah remained in Merseyside while the Reds visited Milan, where they triumphed over Inter in the Champions League on Tuesday.
It remains unclear whether the striker, who has netted 250 goals, will ever play for Liverpool again. Speculation about a January transfer for Salah is beginning to circulate, potentially prompting the Reds to seek a player who can fill his boots.
Owen saw glimpses of Salah in Semenyo when he scored a left-footed goal against Chelsea in January of the previous season.
Speaking on Premier League productions, he asserted that the Ghanaian is the perfect choice.
"He is a brilliant player," said the former England international. "He scores goals, and we don't know if Mohamed Salah will stay or leave, but, if he leaves, Semenyo should be his replacement."
Semenyo, 25, wrapped up the 2024-25 season with a tally of 13 goals and seven assists across all competitions.
In the current campaign, he has already notched up six goals and three assists, including a brace against Liverpool in the season opener at Anfield.
He made the switch to the Cherries from Bristol City for a fee of £10.25 million ($13.7 million).
Now, rumors are swirling that the forward could be up for grabs for £65 million ($86.6 million) this January due to a release clause in his contract on the south coast.
Premier League competitors Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham are among those reportedly showing interest, setting the stage for what could be a fierce battle to secure the attacker's signature.
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