Better than Semenyo: Liverpool ready to move to sign “Mbappe-like” £88m star

In an period of data-driven recruitment, it might be slightly old style to chase a participant who has caught the attention in opposition to your staff, though Liverpool should absolutely have been impressed by what they noticed of Antoine Semenyo on the opening day.

That chaotic 4-2 win was the primary signal that Arne Slot’s champions would not have all of it their very own means this season, but even nonetheless, the efficiency of Bournemouth’s chief risk was exhausting to not be dazzled by.

The Ghanaian led the best way because the guests mounted a stirring comeback in a frantic second half at Anfield, together with his second of the evening having been really breathtaking, as he raced nearly the size of the sphere earlier than changing.

Some Federico Chiesa magic, alongside a Mohamed Salah clincher, in the end burst the Bournemouth balloon, however Semenyo and co had greater than run them shut, with intrigue now mounting over what the 25-year-old may probably do if unleashed into Slot’s transitioning facet in 2026.

He’s, reportedly, a number one determine to probably change Salah subsequent month, ought to the Egyptian depart, though he does not look like the one goal.

Liverpool preserving tabs on excellent Semenyo different

As reported final week, there’s a feeling that Semenyo has determined that he needs to affix the Merseysiders, be it in January or subsequent summer season, with the versatile ahead having a £65m launch clause in his present deal, which might be triggered at first of subsequent month.

The suggestion that Anfield is his most well-liked vacation spot bodes effectively for Liverpool’s hopes of signing the seven-goal Premier League sensation, though there are a queue of golf equipment additionally chasing his signature, together with Manchester United.

There may be a world through which FSG do miss out on the ex-Bristol Metropolis ace, whereas it could be clever to not put all their eggs in his basket regardless, with maybe extra left-field choices additionally on the desk.

Certainly, in line with Italian outlet Tuttosport, Liverpool – alongside each Actual Madrid and Chelsea – might be able to pounce on the uncertainty over Kenan Yildiz’s contract state of affairs at Juventus, with the Turkish famous person but to agree recent phrases with the Serie A facet.

As per the report, the Outdated Woman do have a degree of safety contemplating the 20-year-old’s deal runs till 2029, though there’s a sense that they should ramp up talks to boost his wage and standing, such is the mounting curiosity in him.

Whereas there isn’t any inkling as to how a lot the Bianconeri may demand in the event that they had been to reluctantly money in, earlier studies have instructed he may command a price of round £88m.

Why Yildiz would symbolize an excellent higher signing than Semenyo

The likes of one-time wonderkid Michael Owen might recommend in any other case, however it’s extra vital how a participant progresses or ends their profession, somewhat than essentially how they begin it, with Semenyo a transparent instance of persistence and endurance.

Beforehand rejected from top-flight academies, the in-demand speedster needed to bide his time to even make his mark at former membership Bristol, amid mortgage spells on the likes of Tub Metropolis, Newport County and Sunderland.

In fact, it has taken till the final 18 months or so for him to really explode, registering 41 objectives and assists in 94 video games below Andoni Iraola on the south coast.

He’s then one thing of a late bloomer, though within the case of Yildiz, his inventory already appears to be hovering on the age of simply 20, following a outstanding rise himself in latest seasons in Turin.

As already said, the priority might be whether or not the teen can preserve his ranges, but to already be a mainstay for one among Europe’s high golf equipment at such a younger age is testomony to only what a expertise he’s.

For context, at 20, Semenyo was enduring a goalless mortgage spell in League One on the Stadium of Mild.

Described by European soccer author Danny Corcoran as having “Mbappe-like skill”, Yildiz has racked up 12 objectives and assists in all competitions this season, having beforehand racked up 21 aim involvements final time period.

Once more, for comparability, Semenyo has registered ten objectives and assists in 2025/26, alongside registering 20 aim involvements final season, albeit from fewer video games.

Able to the spectacular from his left-sided position, Yildiz’s burgeoning standing has additionally been seen in him taking up the No.10 shirt at Juve, alongside even being handed the captain’s armband away at Actual Madrid this season, as famous by The Athletic’s James Horncastle.

He’s a participant who “breaks video games” within the view of supervisor Luciano Spalletti, possessing a magic high quality that has already catapulted him to famous person standing.

Semenyo, to his credit score, has fought his means into changing into a shining mild for one of many Premier League’s upwardly cellular golf equipment, however within the case of Yildiz, Liverpool may probably purchase a younger diamond with an excellent larger ceiling.