Within the period of data-driven recruitment, it might be a bit old school to go after gamers who’ve caught the attention of a workforce’s opponents, however Liverpool had been little doubt impressed once they noticed Antoine Semenyo on opening day.
This upset 4-2 win was the primary signal that Arn Slott’s champions weren’t going to have their means this season, nevertheless it was nonetheless onerous to not be shocked by the efficiency of Bournemouth’s predominant menace.
His second of the night time was actually breathtaking because the Ghanaian took the lead and ran nearly the whole size in entrance of aim because the guests staged a powerful comeback in a frenetic second half at Anfield.
Federico Chiesa’s magic and Mohamed Salah’s clincher finally popped Bournemouth’s balloon, however Semenyo and co greater than stored up and intrigue is now mounting over what the 25-year-old may do if launched right into a transitional aspect within the slot in 2026.
He’s reportedly a favourite to interchange Salah subsequent month if the Egyptian leaves the membership, however he’s not the one goal.
Liverpool are monitoring the right Semenyo substitute
As reported final week, Semenyo seems to have determined he desires to affix the Merseysiders both in January or subsequent summer season, with the versatile ahead having a £65m launch clause in his present contract, which could possibly be triggered early subsequent month.
The suggestion that Anfield is his most popular vacation spot bodes properly for Liverpool’s hopes of signing the seven-goal sensation within the Premier League, though a variety of golf equipment together with Manchester United are chasing his signature.
There could also be a world wherein FSG misses out on the previous Bristol Metropolis ace, however there are most likely extra left-field choices on the desk as properly, so it might be sensible to not put all of your eggs in his basket anyway.
Certainly, in line with Italian outlet Tuttosport, Liverpool, together with Actual Madrid and Chelsea, could possibly be prepared to leap on the uncertainty surrounding Kenan Yildiz’s contract standing at Juventus, because the Turkish famous person is but to agree new phrases with the Serie A aspect.
In keeping with experiences, the Outdated Woman is afforded some safety on condition that the 20-year-old’s contract runs till 2029, however some imagine elevated curiosity within the participant means negotiations have to be stepped as much as enhance his wage and standing.
There is no telling how a lot the Bianconeri would ask for in the event that they reluctantly get their arms on the money, however earlier experiences recommend they might demand a price of round £88m.
Why Yildiz is a greater participant than Semenyo
Though the likes of former baby prodigy Michael Owen could recommend in any other case, how a participant progresses or ends his profession is extra necessary than how he begins it, and Semenyo is a transparent instance of tenacity and perseverance.
Beforehand rejected by top-flight academies, the sought-after speedster needed to bide his time to make his mark at former membership Bristol, throughout mortgage spells on the likes of Tub Metropolis, Newport County and Sunderland.
The truth is, it took him across the final 18 months to actually explode, scoring 41 objectives and aiding in 94 video games below South Coast supervisor Andoni Iraola.
Though he’s a late bloomer, Yildiz’s inventory seems to have already skyrocketed at simply 20 years previous following his spectacular improvement over the previous few seasons in Turin.
As already talked about, the priority is whether or not the teen can keep his degree, however the truth that he’s already a mainstay at one in every of Europe’s prime golf equipment at such a younger age proves how gifted he’s.
Most objectives and assists – U21 gamers* | |
|---|---|
participant | document |
Lamine Yamal | 14 |
Nico Cross | 10 |
Yann Diomand | 9 |
Mentioned El Mara | 9 |
Kenan Yildiz | 9 |
Kang Uzun | 8 |
Alda Guler | 8 |
*25/26 – Prime 5 leagues in Europe | |
Statistics by way of Transfermarkt | |
For context, Semenyo was 20 when he endured a goalless mortgage spell in League One on the Stadium of Gentle.
Yildiz, described by European soccer author Danny Corcoran as having “Mbappe-like skills”, contributed 21 objectives final season and has 12 objectives and an help in all competitions this season.
Once more, for comparability, Semenyo recorded 10 objectives and assists within the 2025/26 season and 20 aim involvements final season, albeit in fewer video games.
The Athletic’s James Horncastle factors out that Yildiz’s fast rise in standing is mirrored in the truth that he wears the No. 10 shirt at Juventus and was handed the captain’s armband this season at Actual Madrid.
He’s a “game-breaking” participant in coach Luciano Spalletti’s view, possessing the magical qualities which have already propelled him to famous person standing.
To his credit score, Semenyo has struggled to turn into a shining mild at one of many Premier League’s rising golf equipment, however in Yildiz, Liverpool may land a younger diamond with an excellent increased ceiling.
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