Antoine Semenyo deal moves CLOSER

Liverpool have reportedly got a replacement for Mohamed Salah in their sights. The Egyptian King, 33, is not out of contract until 2027 - but we could see the club’s sporting director Richard Hughes make a move in the market for a successor before then.

Indeed, it’s been claimed that the Reds have earmarked summer 2026 as the prime time to sign a new attacker to replace Salah.

Quite what that means for the two-time African footballer of the year is currently unknown. He could leave - for Galatasaray or a club in Saudi Arabia - or else remain at Liverpool to see out out his £400k per week contract and help any new signings to settle in.

Two players above all others have now emerged as potential successors. One is Michael Olise - under contract with Bayern Munich until 2029 and worth a fortune - and Antoine Semenyo.

While Bayern are seeking to tie French international Olise down to a contract extension, it looks like Bournemouth are making plans to facilitate an outbound deal for Semenyo.

Bournemouth line up replacements for Semenyo

The 25-year-old has arguably been the best attacker in the Premier League this season - Erling Haaland aside - and his form has alerted all the big boys.

Despite a new contract in summer it is believed the Cherries would consider a sale. There appears to be a release clause in his new contract - although whether the Ghana international leaves in January is right now uncertain.

SAM MCGUIRE: Semenyo is perfect for Liverpool

But according to TBR Football, plans are afoot for Bournemouth to sign a replacement of their own.

Ipswich’s Jaden Philogene heads the list - and potential candidates also include Barrene of Real Sociedad, Mathias Soule at Roma, Andre Luiz of Rio Ave, and Bodo/Glimt’s Jens Petter Hauge.

Liverpool's Richard Hughes advantage

“Bournemouth have confirmed Semenyo has a clause, but they are really are insistent that he won’t be leaving in January,” the report reads.

“Nobody at this point knows if the clause can be activated in January or not, but I am led to believe it is more than the Dominic Solanke clause which was £65million and is someone willing to do that in the January window? It is unlikely.

“Semenyo for his part is keeping quiet, but Bournemouth are making sure that the message is out there that Semenyo is not available.

“But off the back of the Semenyo interest, Tiago and his team are doing work on potential replacements but again they see that for the summer rather than January.

“Whilst I believe what Bournemouth are saying, within football, the noises are getting louder and some think he could move.”

Liverpool would have to pay top dollar for Semenyo - who impressed while scoring twice for the south coast side at Anfield earlier this season.

But the signs are that he’s very much worth the outlay. He can play either side - meaning added versatility to Arne Slot’s attack - and is an exceptional finisher.

Liverpool of course have another advantage in the shape of Richard Hughes - who used to be technical director at Bournemouth and oversaw Semenyo’s signing from Bristol City.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Liverpool have a NEW right-back and he's the best in the world

👉🏻 Marc Guehi is COMING: Liverpool will agree deal to sign England star

👉🏻 Liverpool legend's son is now an elite centre-back