Liverpool links to Bournemouth star continue | OneFootball

Liverpool Interest Strengthened by Antoine Semenyo Availability

January Opportunity Emerges

Liverpool have been reminded again how disruptive the Africa Cup of Nations can be, with Mohamed Salah set to lead Egypt in Morocco from 21 December. As the Liverpool Echo noted, Salah will “miss at least three Reds matches” and possibly as many as eight if Egypt reach the final on 18 January in Rabat. With trips to Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal falling during his absence, Arne Slot faces a demanding stretch.

The club have been used to this scenario, having previously lost Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita in earlier mid-season tournaments. Yet this winter brings one unexpected twist that impacts recruitment plans. Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, linked repeatedly to Liverpool, will not be away with Ghana after the Black Stars failed to qualify.

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Semenyo Timing Creates Transfer Window Advantage

The Liverpool Echo described Ghana finishing bottom of their qualifying group as a shock, calling it “a rare sight to not even see them compete at the finals.” For Bournemouth, this means they retain their in-form forward across the entire festive schedule. For Liverpool, it removes one of the biggest barriers to a January move.

Semenyo has been admired at Anfield since last season, with the Echo previously reporting that he was viewed as a “possible long-term successor to Salah.” His two goals against Liverpool earlier this season only reinforced that impression.

With no AFCON commitment, Semenyo would be immediately available for integration and negotiations could take place throughout the entire window.

Homegrown Factors Strengthen Appeal

A further detail, highlighted by the Echo, is that Semenyo was born in Chelsea and qualifies as homegrown. Liverpool only named five senior homegrown players in their Premier League squad and the collapse of the Marc Guehi deal left them short numerically. Squad registration challenges also forced the club to submit only 22 names in their Champions League list, meaning Federico Chiesa had to be omitted before later being reinstated due to injury elsewhere.

In that context, Semenyo’s profile ticks multiple boxes. He is Premier League ready, homegrown, and in strong physical condition during a period when many African players will be unavailable.

Transfer Decision Looms

Whether Liverpool act on their interest remains to be seen, but the logic behind exploring Semenyo as a January option grows stronger. Salah will be away, fixtures are intense and Squad List restrictions leave the club with little margin.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Liverpool supporters will look at this situation and feel the timing could not be more ideal. Semenyo scored twice against Liverpool earlier in the season and he caused constant problems with his strength, direct running and ability to carry the ball under pressure. Fans know the squad needs extra firepower during AFCON and they will view Semenyo as someone who fits the Premier League tempo without needing an extended settling period.

The homegrown element also matters. Supporters have been frustrated by seeing talented players left out of European squads, especially when the club has worked hard to build depth and versatility. A signing who improves the attack and expands the registration options feels like a double win.

Some fans will ask whether Semenyo has the ceiling to eventually replace Salah. That is a huge question for any forward, although the idea of adding someone who can contribute immediately, press aggressively and grow under Slot’s system is appealing. Liverpool fans respected how Slot handled his first season, securing the Premier League title, and will trust the club’s recruitment if they believe Semenyo is a strategic option.