The race to sign Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo has intensified, with Liverpool emerging as the frontrunners for the Ghanaian international. But beyond the transfer noise, a deeper tactical analysis reveals why this move makes profound sense for Arne Slot's system.
The numbers behind the hype
Semenyo's output this season demands attention. With eight goals from an expected goals (xG) total of just 5.36, he's overperforming his underlying metrics significantly. However, the key insight lies in his post-shot expected goals figure of 6.9—a metric that accounts for shot placement quality. This isn't mere luck; it's elite finishing.
The 25-year-old has registered 11 goal involvements in approximately 1,500 Premier League minutes this term. Extrapolated across a full season, that projects to over 25 goal involvements—numbers that would place him among the division's elite attackers.
More impressively, his 19 goals and eight assists since the start of last season have come while operating in multiple positions for a Bournemouth side that was expected to struggle following the departures of key players. This positional versatility is precisely what Liverpool require.
Liverpool's attacking crisis exposed
The Reds' summer investment of nearly £300 million on Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike appeared to bolster their attacking options comprehensively. Reality has painted a different picture.
Wirtz was sold on the prospect of dictating play from central areas, not operating as a wide attacker. Ekitike has excelled as a centre-forward, keeping an injury-plagued Isak out of the starting XI. With Isak now facing months on the sidelines with a suspected broken leg, Liverpool's depth issues have been brutally exposed.
The situation on the flanks is equally concerning:
- Cody Gakpo remains the only reliable left-sided option, and he's currently nursing an injury
- Mohamed Salah is the sole right-wing option, now unavailable due to AFCON commitments
- Rio Ngumoha is highly regarded but lacks first-team trust from Slot
- Federico Chiesa is viewed as nothing more than a substitute option
In essence, Liverpool entered the season with just four genuine attacking options for three positions. The current injury crisis and international absences have transformed a concerning depth issue into an acute emergency.
Tactical fit: why Semenyo suits Slot's system
Semenyo's profile aligns remarkably well with Liverpool's requirements. His ability to operate across the front line—left wing, right wing, or as part of a two-man attack—provides the tactical flexibility Slot desperately needs.
What separates Semenyo from typical Premier League wingers is his efficiency. He's scaled down his shot volume while maintaining production levels, suggesting room for significant output growth in a superior attacking environment. At Liverpool, with improved service and more space created by quality teammates, his numbers could explode.
His directness in one-on-one situations, combined with intelligent off-the-ball movement, would complement Wirtz's creative distribution. The German maestro needs runners ahead of him—players who can stretch defences and create half-spaces. Semenyo offers exactly that profile.
The economics of January
Bournemouth's release clause structure is intriguing: £65 million in January, dropping to approximately £50 million in summer. However, any January deal must be struck within the first fortnight of the window.
While £65 million appears steep for a player who has never reached 15 Premier League goals in a single campaign, context matters. The market has inflated considerably, and Semenyo represents proven Premier League quality with genuine upside remaining at 25.
For Liverpool, currently chasing a title defence, the January premium may be worth paying. Waiting until summer carries significant risk—both to their season and to potentially losing Semenyo to a rival suitor.
Competition and conclusion
Liverpool aren't alone in their pursuit. Manchester City seek additional attacking options despite signing Rayan Cherki in summer. Manchester United view Semenyo as a potential wing-back solution under Ruben Amorim—though this tactical role reportedly doesn't appeal to the player himself.
Reports suggest Semenyo favours Anfield, drawn by the clarity of his potential role. Unlike at Old Trafford or the Etihad, Liverpool offer a starting berth immediately. He wouldn't be joining to compete; he'd be joining to contribute from day one.
Isak's injury may prove to be a sliding doors moment for Semenyo's career. The opportunity is there. The fit is clear. And for Liverpool, the need is urgent.
In the right environment, Semenyo could flourish into one of the Premier League's most dangerous attackers. Anfield provides that platform. The question now is whether Liverpool will act decisively enough to secure him.
