Semenyo as Salah’s Potential Replacement: Liverpool’s Golden Winter Move?

Overview

An English press report published on Monday stated that Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth’s winger, holds a contract release clause that could be triggered during the first two weeks of January’s winter window.

Semenyo has been delivering a standout Premier League campaign, tallying 6 goals and 3 assists in 11 appearances for Bournemouth, underscoring why he is among the topic players for Europe’s big clubs.

He is viewed as a top target for leading Premier League sides, especially Manchester United and Liverpool.

According to BBC, the release clause is valued at 65 million pounds and could be activated in the initial two weeks of January, giving Bournemouth time to respond with a potential replacement.

The Ghanaian international signed a new five-year contract with Bournemouth in early July, reinforcing his value and commitment to the club.

The winter transfer window opens on January 1, 2026, and closes on February 2, 2026, with all the usual drama and spreadsheet gymnastics expected from the Premier League.

Alternate plans and potential replacements are already part of the chatter surrounding the window, with Semenyo seen as a long-term alternative to Salah by the Reds.

“The Egyptian King” has endured a rare drought, with questions growing about who might step up if his form dips further or if fatigue and Africa Cup of Nations commitments bite into Liverpool’s schedule.

Can Semenyo be the solution?

Semenyo has had an impressive start to the season, scoring 6 goals in 8 league appearances and establishing himself as one of the league’s most consistent performers.

Reports from Goal say Liverpool are among the clubs monitoring his progress, impressed by his pace, pressing intensity, and ability to operate across the forward line.

There are whispers that Liverpool’s interest is long-standing and predicated on Semenyo’s ability to adapt across multiple attacking positions, rather than a single fixed role.

With Salah’s goal drought and a looming African Cup of Nations schedule, some observers argue that a move in January could accelerate Liverpool’s plans for life after Salah if needed.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s national team’s knockout chances, or lack thereof, could leave Semenyo available for the winter window, a potential boon for the Reds if a deal can be struck.

In any case, Bournemouth’s stance will be crucial. The club’s leadership will be weighing the immediate value of keeping a key asset against the opportunity to cash in and reinvest in the squad’s future.

Liverpool could exploit the release clause

There are whispers that a renewal of Semenyo’s contract last summer included a clause allowing an exit for the right price. Bournemouth reportedly resisted such talks but left a pathway open for a club willing to meet the valuation, with some sources suggesting the figure is below the widely speculated 100 million pounds ceiling.

Last summer, Bournemouth’s asking price was around 75 million pounds, and while that remains a steep sum, Liverpool’s financial muscle and recent transfer activity could redefine the odds if Semenyo is viewed as a credible Salah successor.

When asked about the clause, Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola responded with his characteristic calm, stating he had no knowledge of players’ contracts specifics and that the priority remains on performance: “If he keeps playing well, the noise grows; what matters is his form and consistency.”

Liverpool’s finances are in a robust shape following a summer outlay of around 450 million pounds on overhauling the squad, aided by profits from Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz’s sales, and the club’s ability to operate within Premier League spending rules.

Another factor is the relationship with Bournemouth; Liverpool recently signed full-back Milos Kirkić from the south coast club, and sporting director Andy Hughes maintains strong links with his former club, aiding potential negotiations.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United reportedly remain admirers, and several continental teams are watching Semenyo’s rise with interest. The question is whether Liverpool can move quickly enough to secure a winter deal that changes the balance of their attack for the second half of the season.

Ultimately, a January move would not just bolster Liverpool’s forward options but could lay the groundwork for a post-Salah era. The club knows it must tread carefully in any deal to avoid destabilizing the squad mid-season, but the potential upside is significant if Semenyo continues his current form and remains committed to a blue-chip project in Merseyside.

In any scenario, the transfer market in January is notorious for its volatility, and this story is far from settled. If Liverpool decide to push, they will need to secure a high fee and a smooth transition plan to maximize impact in the second half of the campaign.

And to borrow a line from the memes of football: if Semenyo brings the goals, the title race might just stop being a sprint and turn into a long, enjoyable jog—with the occasional sprint finish thrown in for good measure. Stay tuned, because this winter could be the moment Liverpool’s attack finally finds its rhythm.