Liverpool ready to sign £88m ‘Mbappé’ star

In the age of data-driven recruitment, it can be a bit old-fashioned to chase down a player who caught the eye against your team, although Liverpool must surely have been impressed with what they saw from Antoine Semenyo on matchday one.

The chaotic 4-2 victory was the first sign that Arne Slot’s champions wouldn’t have it their way this season, but even so, it was hard not to be dazzled by the performance of Bournemouth’s main threat.

The Ghanaian led the way as the visitors staged a stirring comeback in a frantic second half at Anfield, his second of the evening truly breathtaking as he ran almost the length of the field before converting.

A bit of magic from Federico Chiesa, alongside a clincher from Mohamed Salah, finally broke Bournemouth’s ball, but Semenyo and his colleagues did more than bring them together, with intrigue now growing over what the 25-year-old could potentially do if unleashed on Slot’s transition team in 2026.

He is reportedly a leading figure likely to replace Salah next month, should the Egyptian leave, although he does not appear to be the only target.

Liverpool keep tabs on perfect Semenyo alternative

As reported last week, there is a feeling that Semenyo has decided to join the Merseysiders, whether in January or next summer, with the versatile striker boasting a £65 million release clause in his current contract, which can be triggered early next month.

The suggestion that Anfield is his preferred destination bodes well for Liverpool’s hopes of signing the seven-goal Premier League sensation, although there is a queue of clubs also looking for his signature, including Manchester United.

There could be a world in which FSG misses out on the former Bristol City ace, while he would be wise not to put all his eggs in his basket anyway, with perhaps more left-field options also on the table.

Indeed, according to Italian media outlet Tuttosport, Liverpool – alongside Real Madrid and Chelsea – could be set to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding Kenan Yildiz’s contractual situation at Juventus, with the Turkish superstar yet to agree new terms with the Serie A side.

According to the report, the Old Lady enjoys a certain level of protection given that the 20-year-old’s contract runs until 2029, although there is a feeling that they need to speed up negotiations to improve his salary and status, such is the growing interest in him.

While there is no idea how much the Bianconeri could demand if they reluctantly cash out, previous reports suggested he could command a fee of around £88m.

Why Yildiz would represent an even better signing than Semenyo

The likes of Michael Owen, a former prodigy, may suggest otherwise, but it is more important how a player progresses or ends his career, rather than necessarily how he begins it, with Semenyo being a clear example of perseverance and patience.

Previously rejected from high-profile academies, the in-demand speedster had to bide his time to even make his mark at former club Bristol, amid loan spells at the likes of Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland.

In truth, it took him around 18 months to truly explode, recording 41 goals and assists in 94 games under Andoni Iraola on the south coast.

So he’s somewhat of a late bloomer, although in Yildiz’s case his stock already seems to be exploding at just 20 years old, after a remarkable rise over the past few seasons in Turin.

As already stated, the concern will be whether the youngster can maintain his level, but to already be a mainstay at one of Europe’s top clubs at such a young age is testament to his talent.

As a reminder, at 20 years old, Semenyo underwent a blank loan spell in League One at the Stadium of Light.

Described by European football writer Danny Corcoran as having “Mbappé-like ability”, Yildiz has racked up 12 goals and assists in all competitions this season, having already racked up 21 goals last season.

Again, for comparison, Semenyo has ten goals and assists in 2025/26, while registering 20 goals last season, albeit in fewer matches.

Capable of being spectacular from his left-back role, Yildiz’s burgeoning status was also on display when he donned the No.10 shirt at Juve, and was even given the captain’s armband at Real Madrid this season, as James Horncastle of The Athletic noted.

He is a player who “breaks matches” according to manager Luciano Spalletti, possessing a magical quality that has already catapulted him to superstardom.

Semenyo, to his credit, has fought his way to becoming a shining light for one of the Premier League’s most mobile clubs, but in Yildiz’s case, Liverpool could potentially acquire a young diamond with an even higher ceiling.

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