Michael Owen has suggested that Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo could be an ideal replacement for Mohamed Salah if the Egyptian star leaves Liverpool this summer. Despite Salah’s impressive goal-scoring form, uncertainty surrounds the 32-year-old’s future at the club, as he has yet to agree to a contract extension at Anfield.
With Salah now in the final six months of his deal, speculation about his next move has intensified. Reports indicate that Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal is preparing a lucrative two-year offer worth £65 million to secure his services on a free transfer. In light of this, Owen highlighted Semenyo as a suitable successor, stating, “He’s a brilliant player who scores goals. Whether Salah stays or leaves, I believe Semenyo could be the right replacement.”
The 25-year-old Semenyo has had an impressive season, contributing seven goals and three assists in 22 games. However, his numbers fall significantly short of Salah’s, who has scored 21 goals and provided 17 assists in just 29 appearances.
Salah Acknowledges Slow Progress in Contract Talks
Salah has openly discussed the lack of progress on his contract extension. Back in November, he told the BBC: “We’re almost in December, and I haven’t received any offers to stay. Right now, it looks like I’m more out than in.”
More recently, he told Sky Sports, “There’s been no progress. This could very well be my last six months with Liverpool.”
Liverpool faces a challenging situation, with the contracts of three key players—Salah, captain Virgil van Dijk, and vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold—set to expire in six months. Speculation has linked Alexander-Arnold with a potential move to Real Madrid, leaving the Reds with significant decisions to make regarding their squad.
