Former Premier League strikers Darren Bent and Charlie Austin believe Liverpool should make a serious move for in-form Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, insisting the Ghanaian could become the club’s long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.
Semenyo has been one of the standout performers of the 2025/26 Premier League season, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 11 matches. His explosive displays have drawn interest from several top clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur.
The transfer talk intensified after The Athletic revealed that Semenyo has a £65 million release clause in the new contract he signed with Bournemouth in July—making him available for a January move.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Bent described the 22-year-old as “unstoppable,” drawing comparisons to Gareth Bale at his peak.
“He has exploded this season and looks so comfortable. Every game he does something that makes you go, ‘Oh my goodness.’ He’s one of those rare players whose attributes make him unstoppable,” Bent said.
“Once he gets going, he glides past people. He can go both ways, he has the full package. Liverpool have relied on Salah for so long, but with signs he may be slowing slightly, they need to start planning ahead.”
Semenyo impressed at Anfield earlier this season, scoring twice on the opening night as Bournemouth lost 4–2 to Liverpool. Salah, who has only four Premier League goals this campaign, completed Liverpool’s scoring that evening.
Former Southampton striker Charlie Austin, speaking to Sky Sports News, also backed the idea of a January move, calling Semenyo’s release clause “cheap” considering current market valuations.
“It sounds crazy because of how prices are now, but £65m is absolutely cheap for him,” Austin said.
“Look at the performance he put in at Anfield on opening night. He’s been Bournemouth’s talisman this season. He’s young, improving, and delivering every week.”
Semenyo’s continued form has firmly placed him among the Premier League’s breakout stars—and with his release clause now public, Liverpool may be forced to decide quickly if they want Salah’s potential successor in January.
