Liverpool eye Antoine Semenyo for Mohamed Salah replacement as growing shortlist revealed

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Evening Standard

·8 December 2025

Liverpool eye Antoine Semenyo for Mohamed Salah replacement as growing shortlist revealed

Reds may soon be forced to replace a club legend

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Mohamed Salah should he leave Liverpool in January.

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Salah has fallen out of favour in recent weeks, and gave an explosive interview following the Reds’ 3-3 draw with Leeds in which he claimed his relationship with Arne Slot had broken down and suggested he could leave the club in the January transfer window.

Should the Egyptian move on amid interest from Saudi Pro League and MLS sides, Liverpool may make a move for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

So report the Daily Express, who add that the Reds have long held an interest in the forward. Semenyo is enjoying an impressive season, which he launched in style by scoring an impressive brace against the reigning champions at Anfield on its opening night.

Semenyo signed new terms with Bournemouth in July, agreeing a five-year deal which reportedly contains a £65million release clause, active from January.

He is thought to be among the best forward talents available on the market this month.

Liverpool are not alone in their admiration of the Ghanaian, though. With nine goal contributions in 14 Premier League appearances this season, Semenyo has also caught the eye of Man City, while Tottenham are also thought to hold an interest in the player.

Danger man: Antoine Semenyo has starred for Bournemouth this season

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Semenyo is made all the more appealing as a transfer target by the fact that he will not miss time due to AFCON after Ghana failed to qualify for the tournament.

Liverpool are also reported to be interested in Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, who was heavily linked with a Premier League move over the summer, though none materialised, according to Defensa Central. German outlet BILD add they are keen on Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has lauded Semenyo as a key member of his team, insisting the Ghanaian’s head has not been turned by transfer rumours.

Mohamed Salah seems set for a move away from Liverpool after falling out of favour with Arne Slot

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"Antoine is giving us a lot,” said the Spaniard, speaking ahead of hosting Chelsea at the Vitality Stadium. “I think he's being close to the goals or to the assist and he's not also a number nine.

“He's not someone who we are expecting him to score every game.

“He’s a winger that normally is a very good threat for us and I think he can continue giving us a lot of numbers but it's not his main job.

"He has to do a lot of jobs for the team. I think he's still being a threat. He's trying to help us in every game and I haven't seen any change in his attitude."

Semenyo, who saw an early goal disallowed as Bournemouth drew 0-0 with Chelsea on Saturday, would have immense shoes to fill should he get the nod to replace Salah, who has 250 Liverpool goals and 116 assists in 420 appearances to date.