Liverpool are reportedly looking to bring Bournemouth’s talisman, Antoine Semenyo, to Anfield in January.
With Mohamed Salah seemingly on the verge of leaving Liverpool after his rant following the Reds’ 3-3 draw with Leeds, it has become even more vital that Liverpool secure Semenyo’s services in January.
Semenyo, 25, has already been linked with a host of Premier League clubs following his impressive start to the campaign, in which he has scored six goals and provided three assists in 14 Premier League appearances.
However, the latest update regarding the winger suggests Liverpool are in pole position to sign the Ghanaian.
Liverpool is Antoine Semenyo’s ‘preferred destination’
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Alongside Semenyo, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is another winger who Liverpool are said to be monitoring as the Reds begin to prepare for life without Salah.
Having multiple targets in January is necessary, with Manchester United, Tottenham and Manchester City also interested in signing Semenyo.
But according to the latest reports from Team Talk on 9 December, Semenyo’s “preferred destination” is Liverpool, giving Arne Slot’s side the advantage as they look to get their season back on track.
To get Semenyo to leave the south coast, his £65million release clause must be triggered, but this should not be a problem for Liverpool, especially if they accept a lucrative bid from a Saudi Arabian outfit, for example, for Salah.
Semenyo’s release clause is likely to be triggered by multiple clubs in the transfer window, so the fact that the Bournemouth winger’s preference is reportedly a move to Merseyside will be enough to comfort supporters as they hope they can land their man.
READ MORE: Liverpool ready £53m gamble for Real Madrid star
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If Semenyo does sign for Liverpool and Slot opts to deploy him on the right flank instead of the left, then the Dutchman will have a winger he can trust defensively as well as going forward.
Aside from his poor output from an offensive standpoint compared to his regular standards, Salah’s lack of defensive contribution has also been highlighted this season.
This is not something Liverpool will have to worry about if they sign Semenyo, with the Bournemouth ace averaging 1.7 tackles per game whilst Salah is averaging a measly 0.2 in comparison, according to Sofascore.
Semenyo also wins 4.1 ground duels per game compared to Salah’s 1.8, showcasing his ability to win the ball effectively, unlike Salah, who has been nothing short of a liability for the Reds this season without the ball.
READ MORE: Cashing in on Mohamed Salah in January a ‘no-brainer’ says Ally McCoist
