While it may be strange to be opening a transfer related article about Liverpool holding interest in a new forward option after their summer spending bonanza, it weirdly makes more sense upon closer examination.
While Hugo Ekitike has played well in his early Reds career, we've seen players like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo all leave something to be desired at one point.
I believe Federico Chiesa has performed well in his limited chances and could be like a new signing if Arne Slot could just learn to trust him. Sadly, I don't think that time is coming soon, if at all, so here are.
Liverpool are among a host of clubs that have been alerted to the potential transfer status of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. Let's get into it.
The Latest
The Cherries star has been one of their most dynamic players this season in their surprising run up the Premier League table.
The Ghanaian has record 6 goals with 3 assists from his 11 league matches to date and any club that signs him, will be getting a 25-year old attacker just scratching the surface of what he can do.
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool are joined by Tottenham and Manchester City in having a mutual interest in potentially signing him, either as soon as January or in the summer. Semenyo has a release clause of £60 million plus add-ons that becomes active during the winter window.
That's not a catastrophic price for a proven commodity, especially considering the money the Reds forked over this summer to revamp their title winning squad.
Per the report, Semenyo would not have signed his recent five-year Bournemouth contract were it not for the inclusion of the release clause, as he has every intention of taking the next step in his career.
The clause does become even cheaper come summertime, but for clubs that want to be proactive, they might not want to wait that long.
The Liverpool Fit
As I previously mentioned, Semenyo is playing the best football of his life right now and would be a worthy addition to any team with legitimate silverware aspirations.
If the Reds were to sign him, would he instantly start if everyone is fit? That is a tough question for anyone to answer as again, we have not really seen any of our forwards hitting their stride on a week-to-week basis.
Injuries and lack of cohesion have not helped, nor has the lineup selection from Slot. Based purely on form, Semenyo might have a real shot to walk into the Liverpool front three, at least early on.
His progressive play-style would suit the system very well though as he is very comfortable taking on defenses and driving his side forward.
This fits the Salah and Wirtz mode in particular. While we all know the defense needs reinforcements urgently, adding a player of this quality should never be frowned upon.
Was Luis Diaz a dire need when he arrived during the winter transfer window? No, but he hit the ground running and that turned out to be a good bit of business for all involved. Semenyo's link-up play and versatility could see him plugged in at several different spots depending on need.
No promises he arrives to Anfield, but you can bet Liverpool will be giving it a long thought come January 1.