have received fresh encouragement in their pursuit of Antoine Semenyo, after Bournemouth general manager Tim Bezbatchenko admitted the club would not stand in the way of players chasing a move to a European giant.
Speaking on the Business of Sport podcast, Bezbatchenko discussed how Bournemouth approach the prospect of losing top talent to elite clubs, with his comments seen as a major green light for Liverpool’s interest in Semenyo.
“When a club like Real Madrid, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain come in and they are competing for Champions League positions, who are we to say, ‘No, you cannot go, you cannot fulfil your dream,’” Bezbatchenko said.
“There is an opportunity and everybody wins, right? That’s what we’re trying to find — a commonality where everybody can win.”
Semenyo’s red-hot form draws Liverpool’s attention
The 25-year-old Ghanaian winger has been one of Bournemouth’s standout performers this season, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 11 Premier League appearances so far. His pace, strength, and work ethic have made him one of the most in-form attackers outside the league’s traditional top six.
Since joining Bournemouth from Bristol City in January 2023, Semenyo has amassed 28 goals in 101 appearances, becoming a consistent threat on the counter and a key figure under Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool are understood to view him as a potential long-term replacement for Luis Díaz, who joined Bayern Munich in the summer. With Cody Gakpo currently the only natural left-sided attacker in the squad, Semenyo’s versatility across the front line makes him a strong candidate for Arne Slot’s system.
| Stat (2025/26) | Antoine Semenyo |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 12 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Shot Accuracy | 62% |
| Contract Value | £80m release clause |
source: Sofascore data – 14 November 2025
“You cannot say no to Liverpool” – encouraging words for the Reds
Bezbatchenko’s remarks have been taken as a tacit acknowledgment that Bournemouth are open to selling players like Semenyo if a fair deal is struck. His comments echo a modern football reality in which mid-table Premier League clubs can thrive financially by developing and selling players to elite sides.
For Liverpool, who are expected to strengthen their attack in 2026, the pathway now appears clearer — though any deal would likely cost close to Semenyo’s £80 million release clause.
Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the Ghanaian international, setting up potential competition for his signature.
Our View: Semenyo fits Liverpool’s next evolution
In our view, Semenyo ticks many of the boxes Liverpool’s recruitment team look for: Premier League experience, tactical intelligence, and physical resilience. His pressing intensity and ability to operate in multiple roles across the frontline make him an attractive fit for Arne Slot’s fluid attacking system.
However, the reported £80m valuation is steep — particularly for a player yet to prove himself at Champions League level. Unless Bournemouth lower their demands or structure a deal with performance-based add-ons, Liverpool may look for alternative options next summer.
Key Insights
- Bournemouth’s Tim Bezbatchenko says the club won’t block players’ “dream” moves.
- Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham are tracking Antoine Semenyo.
- The Ghana winger has six goals and three assists this Premier League season.
- Semenyo has a release clause reportedly worth around £80 million.
- Liverpool see him as a potential replacement for Luis Díaz.
What’s Next
Semenyo is currently on international duty with Ghana, who lost 2–0 to Japan earlier this week. He’ll return to Bournemouth duty after the break, while Liverpool resume Premier League action against Nottingham Forest on 22 November — aiming to bounce back from their 3–0 defeat to Manchester City.
👉 Liverpool fans — would you pay £80m for Semenyo’s pace and pressing power, or should Arne Slot target a more proven European name?
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