Liverpool have received a significant endorsement in their pursuit of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, with club legend Graeme Souness describing a potential deal as a 'no-brainer'. The recommendation comes amid major uncertainty over the future of star winger Mohamed Salah.
Souness Sees Perfect Salah Replacement
Speaking to Sky Bet, former Liverpool captain and manager Graeme Souness gave a glowing assessment of Semenyo's suitability for Anfield. He directly linked the potential transfer to the possibility of Mohamed Salah's departure, following the Egyptian's recent explosive interview which cast doubt on his long-term future with the Reds.
Souness stated: "He'll be best suited to Liverpool, if Salah goes. Very different, but if you had asked me before [Alexander] Isak went to Liverpool, I'd have said tailor-made for Liverpool. That was a no-brainer on paper. So, I'm saying the same about Semenyo."
The pundit believes Semenyo's aggressive, powerful style would quickly endear him to the Liverpool faithful. "Semenyo going to Liverpool and that team in front of that crowd, they would love him as well because he'll run through people and over people. He's got that aggression and he's got qualities as well," Souness added.
Premier League Tug of War for In-Form Forward
Antoine Semenyo, 25, finds himself at the centre of a major transfer battle following his sensational form for Bournemouth. His performances have reportedly attracted attention from several top-flight clubs, including Manchester United and Manchester City, with Liverpool considered long-term admirers.
The financial mechanics of any deal are clear. Semenyo's contract with Bournemouth contains a £65 million release clause that becomes active in the January 2026 transfer window. This was inserted when he signed a new deal with the Cherries just last summer, a move that now appears designed to protect the club's value for their prized asset.
On the pitch, his numbers justify the hype. Last season, Semenyo scored 13 goals and provided seven assists across all competitions. He has continued that rich vein of form into the current campaign, netting seven times already in the Premier League.
Bournemouth Boss Plays Down Exit Talk
Despite the intense speculation, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has attempted to calm the situation. Speaking ahead of his side's dramatic 4-4 draw with Manchester United, the Spanish coach insisted the transfer rumours are not affecting his player and that an exit is not on his mind.
"I don't feel it is affecting him a lot," Iraola said. "When you hear your name every day in the news you have to deal with the situation, but I think he's committed, and I haven't seen a lot of changes in him."
Iraola was also keen to highlight Semenyo's versatility and threat, noting: "We cannot only analyse the numbers. He's not our number nine. He's a winger that gives us a lot of goals and a lot of assists, and he gives us chances normally. He was the biggest threat against Chelsea the other day."
Souness, however, offered a more pragmatic view for Bournemouth supporters, suggesting they should enjoy the forward while they can. "I would make the most of him if I was a Bournemouth supporter because you might see him beyond this Christmas, but I'd imagine he'll be away in the next window if he continues like this," he concluded.
The stage is now set for a potentially pivotal January window, with Liverpool's interest formally endorsed and a clear path to a deal via the £65 million clause. All eyes will be on Mohamed Salah's situation and whether Liverpool decide to activate their interest in the Cherries' standout performer.
