Liverpool are considered the frontrunners to land Semenyo ahead of Manchester City due to a key advantage.
Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah continues to draw strong interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, even as his form at Anfield has dipped in recent months.
The Egyptian forward has enjoyed a remarkable career with the Reds, but this season has brought a clear downturn, raising concerns that age may finally be catching up with him. According to talkSPORT, teams such as Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah remain eager to sign him, despite Salah rejecting a huge Saudi offer not too long ago to stay on Merseyside.
His future was uncertain for much of last season before he eventually agreed a new contract, calming supporters’ fears. Now 33, he has scored just two goals in his last 12 matches and was recently dropped to the bench for the win over West Ham.
Seeing such a rapid decline from a player of Salah’s stature is surprising, especially considering how recently he looked capable of sustaining elite performance deep into his late 30s, much like Cristiano Ronaldo.
Should his struggles continue, the massive wages available in Saudi Arabia may start to look increasingly appealing, along with the chance to compete in a less intense league.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have been linked with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, whose standout performances have put him on the radar as a potential long-term replacement for Salah in Arne Slot’s front line. Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise is another name being monitored, with a Premier League return considered possible.
However, replacing Salah—who has scored 250 goals in 419 games—is an enormous task. Manchester City are also said to be admirers of Semenyo, and with his £65 million release clause becoming active in January, they view him as a strong addition as they push for more trophies.
Semenyo, 25, has been one of Bournemouth’s top performers this season, but City’s hierarchy reportedly see the deal as a major financial undertaking.
Some within the club believe a high-value “marquee” departure would be required to balance the books and stay within financial regulations before they could move for Semenyo.
As a result, any move to the Etihad may depend more on off-field financial manoeuvring than footballing ambition. Liverpool, however, are increasingly being portrayed as the frontrunners, with factors beyond money working in their favor.
Richard Hughes—Liverpool’s new sporting director—previously served as Bournemouth’s technical director and maintains strong ties with the club. That connection could give Liverpool an edge in negotiations.
Given Liverpool’s need to reinforce their attack, along with the financial flexibility they still possess from recent windows, they appear well-placed to make a move. Semenyo has emerged as one of the Premier League’s breakout stars, capable of playing across the frontline, using his pace, finishing ability, and unpredictability to trouble defenders.
Even if City activate his release clause, hurdles remain. Their need to sell a major player could slow talks, especially with their squad already crowded.
Bournemouth, for their part, may be more open to letting Semenyo leave in January if his clause is triggered, having resisted multiple bids during the summer window.
