Getty Images Sport

Liverpool identify Antoine Semenyo as long-term Mohamed Salah replacement with January swoop lined up after Bournemouth release clause revelation

Liverpool have reportedly identified Antoine Semenyo as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, with a January swoop lined up for the Bournemouth player after the emergence of a release clause in his contract. The ‘Egyptian King’, whose goals have lit up Anfield since he joined the Merseyside club in 2017, is enduring a rare drought, and whispers of a successor are starting to grow louder.

Salah has amassed 248 goals in 412 gamesfor the Reds over a period of more than eight years. But after drawing a blank yet again during Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United, courtesy of Harry Maguire’s late header, the Kop is beginning to ask if he’s still untouchable. Seven consecutive Premier League matches without a non-penalty goal mark his longest dry spell since he put on the famed red shirt. Manager Arne Slot has backed his star forward, refusing to tweak his right flank despite Salah’s barren run. A summer contract extension was supposed to silence any doubts over his commitment, but the pressure is mounting.

Is Bournemouth’s Semenyo the solution?

Semenyo has enjoyed an explosive start to the season. Six goals in eight Premier League appearances have marked him as one of the league’s most consistent stars. After turning down interest from Tottenham and Manchester United in the summer, Semenyo chose loyalty, committing to Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth project for another five years. That decision has paid off handsomely, but it may not keep him on the South Coast for long. According to The i Paper, Liverpool have joined the growing list of clubs tracking Semenyo’s progress. The Reds’ scouts have been particularly impressed by his pace, pressing work rate, and ability to operate across the front line. Liverpool’s admiration for Semenyo is said to be long-term. Salah’s dipping form and his mid-season Afcon absence could further accelerate the pursuit. Meanwhile, Ghana’s failure to qualify for the tournament in Morocco means Semenyo will be available throughout the winter, a bonus for the Reds to make a January move.

• Liverpool could exploit release clauseSemenyo’s summer renewal reportedly included a release clause. Bournemouth, aware of his soaring value, used interest from Spurs and United to persuade him to stay, but they also inserted an escape route to prevent unrest. Though the exact figure remains undisclosed, it is said to be lower than the £100 million ($133m) valuation speculated during the last international break. In the summer, Bournemouth’s asking price hovered around £75m ($100m). Though the price is still steep, it might just be within Liverpool’s reach if they deem Semenyo the right successor to Salah.When pressed about the existence of the clause, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola shrugged off speculation with typical calm. “I don’t know anything about the contracts of the players,” he said. “I don’t know how much they earn and don’t know want to know either. The most important thing for me is that he continues playing well. If he does there will be more noise but it’s something we take if he’s playing well. My concern is to keep him in the spot where he’s playing well.”Liverpool are well-placed financially to strike if they decide to pull the trigger. Despite splashing nearly £450m ($600m) over the summer in a massive squad overhaul, the club remains within the Premier League’s spending limits thanks to the profitable sales of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz. Another key factor is their relationship with Bournemouth. The Reds recently signed full-back Milos Kerkez from the Cherries, and sporting director Richard Hughes, formerly of Bournemouth, maintains close ties with his old club.