Arne Slot may have received a boost in his pursuit of Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo. This comes after a member of the Cherries’ top brass admitted that it would be difficult to reject an offer from a club of Liverpool’s stature.
Tim Bezbatchenko, director of Black Knight Football Club and general manager at Bournemouth, was speaking on the Business of Sport podcast. The ex-United States international was questioned about Bournemouth selling several key assets this summer, including Milos Kerkez to Liverpool and centre-back Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid.
Bezbatchenko acknowledged that there are certain clubs that Bournemouth simply cannot refuse, as they do not want to hinder players from joining their dream clubs. “When a club like Real Madrid, Liverpool, PSG come in and they’re competing for Champions Leaguepositions, who are we to say, ‘No, you can’t go, you can’t fulfil your dream’,” he said.
“No it wouldn’t be like that for all clubs because not everyone is Real Madrid. But there is an opportunity and everybody wins right? I think that’s what we’re trying to find, this commonality where everybody can win.”
Bezbatchenko’s words will undoubtedly be pleasing to Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes. Hughes, who originally brought Semenyo to Bournemouth in his previous role with the Cherries, will be hopeful that Bezbatchenko’s admission means the Reds can challenge Bournemouth’s resolve for the speedy winger in January or the summer.
The Ghanaian international has netted six times and provided three assists in 11 Premier League matches for Bournemouth this season, including a double at Anfield during Liverpool’s opening weekend encounter with the Cherries.
It is believed that Semenyo has a release clause in his contract. Although the exact amount is unknown, it is reported that Bournemouth value him at around £80 million.
Liverpool could face stiff competition for the star if they decide to make a bid. Manchester United and Tottenham have been linked with a summer move for Semenyo, with Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim even said to have dined with the player at the end of last season.
Suggestions have been made that Liverpool could make a move as early as January, given their need for a fast, creative winger. With Luis Diaz having left, Reds manager Slot has found himself relying solely on Cody Gakpo on the left wing.
View 3 ImagesSemenyo scored twice against Liverpool earlier this season(Image: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz has shown glimpses of potential on the wing, but it seems that isn’t where the manager sees him in the long term. On the other side, Mohamed Salah is facing serious scrutiny for the first time in his illustrious Anfield career.
However, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has dismissed any talk of Semenyo potentially leaving. When asked about a release clause, the Spaniard remained vague.
“I don’t know anything about the contracts of the players. I don’t know how much they earn and don’t want to know either,” he said.
“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.”