Superior to Semenyo: Liverpool poised to sign “Mbappe-like” £88m talent
In today’s landscape of analytics-focused recruitment, it may seem somewhat outdated to pursue a player who has made an impression against your team, but Liverpool must have been impressed by Antoine Semenyo’s display on the season’s opening day. That thrilling 4-2 victory was the first indication that Arne Slot’s champions wouldn’t necessarily cruise through this season, yet the performance of Bournemouth’s key threat was undeniably captivating.
The Ghanaian took center stage as the visitors staged a spirited comeback in a whirlwind second half at Anfield, with his second goal of the evening being truly astonishing as he sprinted nearly the entire length of the pitch before finishing. Some Federico Chiesa brilliance, along with a decisive Mohamed Salah goal, eventually popped the Bournemouth bubble, but Semenyo and his teammates had more than given them a run for their money, creating curiosity over what the 25-year-old could achieve if integrated into Slot’s evolving lineup in 2026.
He is reportedly a frontrunner to potentially take over Salah’s role next month, should the Egyptian move on, although he doesn’t seem to be the only candidate.
Liverpool is said to be monitoring a suitable alternative to Semenyo. As reported last week, there seems to be a growing sentiment that Semenyo has opted to join the Merseysiders, whether that be in January or the upcoming summer, given the versatile forward’s £65m release clause in his current contract, which becomes active at the start of next month.
The belief that Anfield is his favored destination bolsters Liverpool’s chances of securing the seven-goal Premier League prodigy, even though other clubs, including Manchester United, are also in the race for his signature. There exists a scenario where FSG could potentially miss out on the former Bristol City player, and it would be sensible not to place all their hopes solely on him, considering there may be alternative options available.
Indeed, according to the Italian publication Tuttosport, Liverpool—alongside both Real Madrid and Chelsea—could be set to capitalize on the uncertainty regarding Kenan Yildiz’s contract situation at Juventus, with the Turkish talent yet to agree on new terms with the Serie A club. The report indicates that the Old Lady does have some level of security given that the 20-year-old’s contract extends until 2029, but there is a feeling that they must accelerate negotiations to improve his salary and standing, reflecting the growing interest in him.
While there has been no indication as to how much the Bianconeri could request if they decide to reluctantly let go, earlier reports have suggested he might fetch a fee in the region of £88m.
Why Yildiz would be a superior signing compared to Semenyo The likes of former prodigy Michael Owen might disagree, but what truly matters is how a player develops or concludes their career, rather than how they begin it, with Semenyo serving as a prime illustration of perseverance and patience.
Having been turned away from top-tier academies, the sought-after speedster had to wait his turn to make a significant impact at his previous club, Bristol, after stints on loan at teams like Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland. In truth, it has only been in the last 18 months that he has truly come into his own, accumulating 41 goals and assists in 94 matches under Andoni Iraola on the southern coast.
He is somewhat of a late developer, but in the case of Yildiz, his reputation appears to be on the rise at just 20 years old, after a remarkable ascent in recent seasons in Turin. As previously mentioned, the concern will be whether the young talent can sustain his performance levels, yet to already become a regular for one of Europe’s elite clubs at such a tender age speaks volumes about his talent.
| Most Goals & Assists – U21 players* | |
|---|---|
| Player | Record |
| Lamine Yamal | 14 |
| Nico Paz | 10 |
| Yan Diomande | 9 |
| Said El Mala | 9 |
| Kenan Yildiz | 9 |
| Can Uzun | 8 |
| Arda Guler | 8 |
*25/26 – Europe’s top five leagues
Stats via Transfermarkt
For perspective, at the age of 20, Semenyo was experiencing a goal drought during his loan at the Stadium of Light in League One. Described by European football journalist Danny Corcoran as possessing “Mbappe-like ability”, Yildiz has accumulated 12 goals and assists across all competitions this season, having previously achieved 21 goal contributions last term.
In a comparative view, Semenyo has notched ten goals and assists in 2025/26, alongside gathering 20 goal contributions last season, albeit over fewer matches. Capable of magical moments from his left-sided position, Yildiz’s rising prominence has also been highlighted by him donning the No.10 jersey at Juve, even receiving the captain’s armband during an away match at Real Madrid this season, as pointed out by The Athletic’s James Horncastle.
He is a player who “changes games” according to manager Luciano Spalletti, showcasing a unique flair that has already propelled him to a status of superstardom. While Semenyo has indeed worked his way into becoming a prominent figure for one of the Premier League’s advancing clubs, in Yildiz, Liverpool might have the opportunity to secure a young gem with an even greater potential ceiling.
Published: 2025-12-17 20:45:00
source: www.footballfancast.com
