Ghana international, Antoine Semenyo, has been named a favourite by former England legend, Michael Owen, to replace ‘Egyptian King’, Mohammed Salah, if he bids farewell to Liverpool in the next transfer window.

Salah’s recent rants about his sideline by the club’s manager, Arne Slot and his allegations that “Someone doesn’t want me in the club” have sparked speculations about his future at Anfield.

Following Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road, which marked the third consecutive Premier League match that Salah was benched, Mohamed Salah gave an explosive interview on Saturday, 6 December, where he accused the club of “throwing me under the bus” and declared that his relationship with head coach Arne Slot was “broken”.

Another case, which intensified speculations of his possible exit, was when he was left out of the squad entirely. Salah is also set to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, with his absence potentially extending into January, fuelling speculation about a possible mid-season departure.

Consequently, Michael Owen believes Bournemouth’s Semenyo is a good fit after Salah bids goodbye.

He praised Semenyo’s rapid development at Bournemouth, noting his six Premier League goals this season and growing impact on matches.

“He is a brilliant player,” Owen said. “He scores goals – and we don’t know if Mohamed Salah will stay or leave, but if he leaves, Semenyo should be his replacement.”

The Egyptian forward, who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, is also expected to miss the Reds’ upcoming Premier League clash with Brighton this weekend.

Semenyo says he pays little attention to transfer speculations highlighting his commitment and focus on his current club.

Following his impressive form this season, he attracted the attention of several European clubs according to reports.Those clubs include, Man Utd, Liverpool and Real Madrid.

However, addressing these links, duing an interview with Sky Sports which was aired on October 30, Antione mentioned that, he has seen the reports, but denied the purported links , saying he is enjoying his stay at Bournemouth.

“I don’t think about it too much,” he said. “I try to stay present as much as I can. You see the news all the time, I see it as well, I’m not oblivious, but I try to keep focused. I’m enjoying my football here. If I’m not scoring goals, all of that goes away. I try to stay present, do the best I can for the team, score goals, and whatever happens in the future happens,” he noted.

Semenyo explained that he was convinced to stay after being encouraged by the club’s vision and summer recruitment.

“When they all left in the summer, there was a lot of interest and back and forth with the club. But I knew in my head that the manager’s got something up his sleeve this year.

“How we finished off the season last year was so good, and we could continue, especially with the players we’ve brought in as well. I wasn’t too sure at the start, but we’ve kicked on like a house on fire. I’m glad I committed to staying here because I’m enjoying every moment,” he added.

Semenyo has scored six goals and provided three assists in just 10 Premier League matches. According to The Telegraph, AFC Bournemouth reportedly rejected £50 million offers from both clubs Man Utd and Spurs for Semenyo during the summer transfer window.

Antoine’s form has been consistent even during international games. Last season, he scored six goals in nine appearances and provided three assists. His only contender this season has been Man City’s Erling Haaland, who has a higher goal record ahead of Semenyo.

Despite interest from top clubs in Europe, he decided to stay at the Vitality Stadium, signing a new long-term contract that included a pay rise. His contract with Bournemouth’s expiry was set for 2026; however, in July, he extended his contract until 2030.

Meanwhile, the Ghana international was recently subjected to racism during a clash on Friday, August 15, against Liverpool.

During the first half of the Premier League opener, Semenyo was preparing to take a throw-in when a 47-year-old man passed some offensive comment at him. According to reports, Semenyo asked that the man repeat what he said; he did and even threw a gum at him.

He immediately reported it to referee Anthony Taylor, who paused the match in the 28th minute. Subsequently, he was seen out of the stadium by the police and held in custody for a racially aggravated public order offence, according to the Merseyside Police on Monday.

He has, however, been granted bail on the following conditions that, not attend any regulated football match in the UK and be prohibited from going within one mile of any designated football stadium. A police investigation into the incident is ongoing.

In reaction to this, Gianni Infantino, in an official statement issued on Sunday, August 17, explained that the sport has zero tolerance for discrimination and any other abuse in any form, eulogising Antoine's resilience and stunning display in the game despite the potential emotional distress.

"It is absolutely unacceptable to see the racist abuse aimed at AFC Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, which led to a stoppage of their Premier League match against Liverpool FC at Anfield last night.Football has no place for racism or any form of discrimination - Antoine's courage and performance on the pitch, despite such adversity, is a powerful example of strength and dignity for players worldwide", parts of the statement read.

The FIFA president also assured Semenyo of the governing body’s full support, citing the role of the Players’ Voice Panel, established in 2024 as part of FIFA’s five-pillar strategy against racism.

“The Players' Voice Panel, established as part of the five pillars against racism adopted by FIFA Congress in 2024, will be in touch with Antoine and is monitoring these situations closely.

"We are committed to ensuring that players are respected and protected, and that competition organisers and law enforcement authorities take appropriate action.Everyone at FIFA, The Players' Voice Panel and the whole football community stands firmly with Antoine…" Infantino added.