Liverpool are reportedly among the clubs keeping a close eye on Antoine Semenyo ahead of the January transfer window, with growing excitement among supporters about the prospect of the Bournemouth forward joining their attack.
The idea of adding Antoine Semenyo to Liverpool’s frontline is a mouthwatering one — both for the immediate impact he could make and the long-term potential he offers. Despite the Reds’ heavy summer investment, which saw Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz arrive for a combined £450 million, there remains a sense that something is missing in Arne Slot’s forward line.
A Missing Link in Liverpool’s Attack
Survey fans heading to Anfield for Saturday’s clash with Nottingham Forest, and many will express the same concern: Liverpool’s wide options lack depth and dynamism.
While Wirtz and Ekitike are capable of operating on the left flank, neither sees themselves as a natural in that position. Cody Gakpo, meanwhile, remains the only recognised left-sided forward, but his inconsistency since the departure of Luis Díaz has left questions unanswered.
Even Mohamed Salah, who smashed 34 goals last season, has seen a dip in form under Slot. With Jeremie Frimpong sidelined through a hamstring injury and Federico Chiesa struggling to break into the starting XI, Liverpool’s attack feels short of options — and a long-term Salah successor will soon be required.
Antoine Semenyo, then, looks a logical target. The 25-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, with six goals and three assists in his first 11 league appearances. Alongside Erling Haaland, few forwards have been as influential or explosive.
Bournemouth’s Stance and Semenyo’s Rise
When Bournemouth secured Semenyo on a new deal last summer, it was viewed as smart business. Having already sold key players — including Milos Kerkez to Liverpool — the Cherries were determined to retain their star forward. However, with a £65 million release clause written into his contract, they could be powerless to stop him leaving if a major club comes calling.
Club managing director Tiago Pinto recently told talkSPORT:
“Antoine has been amazing this season. He’s a lovely player and a lovely boy. For us, it was amazing to feel that he wanted to stay even with other clubs around him. He’s scored eight or nine goals this season, so we couldn’t be more happy.”
Semenyo’s rise is anything but typical. Rejected by Chelsea, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace as a teenager, he rebuilt his career via Bristol City, working his way up from loan spells in non-league and the lower divisions to the Premier League.
Cherries boss Andoni Iraola summed up his journey perfectly:
“He has had a special career. He didn’t come from a big academy; he’s earned everything. He keeps improving every season — and we still don’t know how far he can go.”
If Liverpool activate his clause, they won’t just be signing a forward in form — they’ll be investing in one of the league’s most inspiring and hard-earned success stories.
