with Fenway Sports Group seemingly open to parting ways with a player whose inconsistent performances have long raised concerns. Former club captain Jamie Carragher has previously admitted he was puzzled by how poorly the player performed at times, and there is now growing belief that his sale could help finance a move for Bournemouth standout Antoine Semenyo, a signing Carragher believes would firmly establish Liverpool among the elite again next season.
For much of the recent transfer window, Liverpool’s attention was focused on Newcastle striker Alexander Isak. As deadline day approached, speculation shifted towards Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi, with hopes of a dramatic late move to Anfield. That transfer ultimately failed to materialise, though a potential deal in 2026 has not been ruled out. The spotlight has now moved to another Premier League star, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.
Uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s long-term future, following his recent public comments, has intensified discussions around Liverpool’s attacking options. There is a growing view that new head coach Arne Slot could pursue Semenyo as early as January, regardless of whether Salah remains at the club. The Ghanaian forward is believed to be open to a switch to Merseyside either in the winter window or next summer, with a reported £65 million release clause. With questions hanging over all of Liverpool’s senior wide players, the need for reinforcement in attack is becoming increasingly pressing.
Semenyo’s rise this season has been remarkable. His form has earned widespread praise, with former England international Chris Waddle even suggesting he may currently be the best winger in the Premier League. His statistics back up that claim. He is joint-third in the league’s scoring charts, trailing only Igor Thiago and Erling Haaland, and when assists are included, he ranks fourth overall for goal contributions. Comfortable on either flank and effective with both feet, Semenyo offers pace, power, and versatility, qualities that could significantly enhance Liverpool’s attacking threat.
Financing a move of this scale would likely require player sales, particularly after Liverpool’s heavy spending in the previous window. While Salah’s exit would reduce the wage bill, his age means a substantial transfer fee is unlikely. Federico Chiesa, meanwhile, would not generate significant funds due to his current role on the fringes. This has led to increased speculation that Cody Gakpo could be the player sacrificed.
Gakpo played a key role in last season’s title-winning campaign, yet his league output of 15 combined goals and assists was narrowly eclipsed by Semenyo’s 16. This season, the gap has widened further. Semenyo has continued to thrive, registering seven goals and four assists, while Gakpo, hampered by injury, has managed four goals and three assists. Doubts over Gakpo’s suitability at the very top level of the Premier League have lingered since his arrival, with Carragher previously questioning the signing and highlighting a lack of attributes typically associated with Liverpool’s style of play at the time.
Despite recently committing his future to the club with a new contract, reports suggest Liverpool’s owners would still be willing to listen to suitable offers for Gakpo. Offloading him could generate the funds required to secure Semenyo’s signature, giving Arne Slot the opportunity to reshape his forward line with a more explosive, direct attacker who appears better suited to the evolving demands of Liverpool’s system
