Report: Bournemouth have already lineup potential Antoine Semenyo replacement | OneFootball

Liverpool move accelerates as Bournemouth plan for life after Semenyo

Liverpool’s long running admiration for Antoine Semenyo has moved closer to reality, with TeamTalk reporting that Bournemouth are actively lining up a replacement. The development is significant, not only because it underlines how seriously the Cherries view the threat of losing one of their most explosive attackers, but because it removes a layer of uncertainty that often complicates deals of this scale.

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Semenyo’s situation has been sharpened by circumstances elsewhere. Uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah, following his public outburst at Arne Slot after the 3-3 draw at Leeds United, has heightened Liverpool’s urgency. With the Reds seeking attacking clarity, Semenyo’s profile fits the brief of pace, power and tactical flexibility.

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Liverpool are prepared to act decisively. TeamTalk report that the club are ready to trigger Semenyo’s £60million release clause plus £5m in add-ons, a figure Bournemouth are powerless to block.

Bournemouth forced into contingency planning

With Semenyo edging towards a January exit, Bournemouth’s recruitment team have been proactive. Sources cited by TeamTalk indicate that Philip Otele of FC Basel has been identified as a potential successor, a move that reflects the club’s growing confidence in sourcing talent outside the Premier League market.

Otele’s contract situation makes him attainable. His loan from Al Wahda has been made permanent, and he is tied to Basel until 2028, though the Swiss club are open to negotiations at around €10m. At 26, Otele offers both immediate impact and resale potential.

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His numbers are compelling. Across 47 appearances for Basel, he has scored 17 goals and provided seven assists. This season alone, he has eight goals and three assists from 26 outings, evidence of consistency rather than a brief purple patch.

Profile of Otele draws wider interest

Bournemouth are not operating in isolation. Crystal Palace have stepped up their interest as Oliver Glasner looks to refresh his attacking options, while Fulham previously tracked Otele during the summer. Birmingham City have also emerged as surprise contenders, plotting an ambitious bid as part of their promotion push.

Otele’s appeal lies in versatility. Although primarily a left winger, he has featured on the right and through the middle. His pace, dribbling and directness have been described as “incredible” by former coach Adrian Mutu, praise that carries weight given Mutu’s own attacking pedigree.

His journey from English non league football at Wolviston FC, through Romania and the UAE, before flourishing in Switzerland, speaks to resilience and adaptability.

Semenyo choice boosts Liverpool confidence

For Liverpool, the picture is increasingly clear. Sources have told TeamTalk’s Graeme Bailey that Semenyo has made Anfield his preferred destination, despite interest from Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. That preference matters, particularly in a competitive market.

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With Bournemouth preparing for change and Liverpool ready to meet contractual terms, momentum is building. January could prove decisive for all parties.

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For Bournemouth supporters, there will be pride in seeing Semenyo valued at elite level, but also frustration that release clauses limit control when top clubs circle. Fans understand the business reality, yet losing a player of his dynamism mid season always feels risky.

The proactive identification of Otele offers reassurance. Supporters have grown accustomed to Bournemouth thinking creatively, and Otele’s profile fits the club’s recent recruitment logic. Pace, versatility and hunger matter as much as reputation, and his career path suggests a player still climbing.

There will be scepticism too. Replacing Premier League proven output with potential always carries danger, especially with competition from Palace and even Birmingham City. Fans will want swift action rather than a drawn out saga.

Ultimately, many supporters accept that selling well and reinvesting smartly is part of Bournemouth’s identity. If Semenyo departs and Otele arrives early, with time to settle, optimism can survive. What fans crave most is clarity and ambition, not simply survival thinking, but belief that progress can continue even when stars move on.