By: Kwame Bediako
Former Liverpool player, Michael Owen has endorsed Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo as the perfect replacement for Mohamed Salah should the Liverpool star depart amid escalating contract frustrations.
The former Reds striker delivered a forthright verdict, stressing the need for proactive planning as rumors swirl around Salah’s future at Anfield.
Owen highlighted Semenyo’s rapid ascent, positioning the Ghanaian forward as a ready-made heir to the Egyptian’s prolific output.
Salah’s recent public outburst, where he accused the club of “throwing him under the bus” after three consecutive benchings under Arne Slot, has fueled speculation of an imminent exit.
The winger’s tense relationship with his manager has reportedly worsened, compounded by his looming departure for the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday.
This absence could extend into the January transfer window, opening the door for a surprise mid-season move.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Owen lauded Semenyo’s six Premier League goals this season and his ongoing development at Bournemouth.
“He is a brilliant player. He scores goals and we don’t know if Mohamed Salah will stay or leave, but if he leaves, Semenyo should be his replacement”; Owen said.
The praise underscores Semenyo’s blend of pace, power, and finishing that mirrors Salah’s wide threat.
Salah’s exclusion from Liverpool’s Champions League triumph over Inter Milan further exposed the rift, as he stayed behind in England while the squad traveled.
His participation against Brighton remains doubtful without breakthroughs in reconciliation talks.
Sources indicate Slot believes Salah may soon reflect on his heated interview as potentially misguided, per reports from The Telegraph.
Liverpool faces a critical juncture, balancing Salah’s irreplaceable contributions over 200 goals since 2017, with the risks of unrest.
Owen’s suggestion of Semenyo offers a strategic internal pathway, leveraging the 25-year-old’s form to maintain attacking potency.
As Slot navigates this saga, clarity on Salah’s commitment will shape the club’s winter ambitions.
