Liverpool are considered the frontrunners to land Semenyo ahead of Manchester City due to a key advantage.
Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah continues to draw strong interest from Saudi Pro League clubs despite his recent downturn in form at Anfield.
The Egyptian superstar has cemented himself as a club legend, but his performances this season have noticeably dipped, suggesting age may finally be catching up with him. According to talkSPORT, sides such as Al Hilal and newly ambitious Al Qadsiah remain eager to sign Salah, even though he previously rejected a huge Saudi offer to stay at Liverpool.
Salah’s future was uncertain for most of last season until he eventually agreed a new deal, calming supporters’ fears. But now 33, he has scored just two goals in his last twelve matches and was recently dropped for the win over West Ham.
The speed of his decline is surprising, especially for a player who not long ago looked capable of extending his career at the top level like Cristiano Ronaldo.
If his form continues to fade, the lucrative wages available in Saudi Arabia could become harder to resist, offering him a chance to play in a less demanding environment.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have been linked with Bournemouth’s in-form forward Antoine Semenyo as a potential successor for Salah in Arne Slot’s attack. Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise is also reportedly under consideration, with the winger impressing in Germany and seen as a possible Premier League return target.
However, replacing Salah—who has scored 250 goals in 419 appearances—will be a massive challenge for Liverpool.
Manchester City’s interest in Semenyo is well-known, and with a £65 million release clause becoming active in January, they see him as an opportunity to strengthen their frontline. The 25-year-old has been one of Bournemouth’s standout performers this season. Yet, City’s hierarchy view the deal as a major financial undertaking, and some insiders believe selling a high-value squad member may be necessary to fund such a move.
For now, City’s pursuit may hinge more on financial maneuvering than sporting ambition.
Liverpool, however, are increasingly viewed as the frontrunners for Semenyo. Their advantage doesn’t only lie in timing or finances—Richard Hughes, formerly Bournemouth’s technical director and now part of Liverpool’s leadership, maintains strong ties with the club, giving the Reds an added edge in negotiations.
With Liverpool needing attacking reinforcements and possessing the financial power from recent transfer windows, they appear well-positioned to make a serious move.
Semenyo has emerged as one of the Premier League’s breakout attackers this season. Able to play across the frontline, his pace, finishing, and unpredictability make him a major threat.
Even if City decide to activate his release clause, complications remain. The need to offload a marquee player could delay or even block talks due to the crowded nature of their squad.
Bournemouth are expected not to stand in Semenyo’s way if the clause is triggered in January, having already rejected off
ers for him in the summer.