Liverpool ready to sign £88m star ‘like Mbappe’

In the era of data-driven recruitment, it may be a bit old-fashioned to go after players who have caught the eye of a team’s opponents, but Liverpool were no doubt impressed when they saw Antoine Semenyo on opening day.

This upset 4-2 win was the first sign that Arn Slott’s champions were not going to have their way this season, but it was still hard not to be surprised by the performance of Bournemouth’s main threat.

His second of the night was truly breathtaking as the Ghanaian took the lead and ran almost the entire length in front of goal as the visitors staged an impressive comeback in a frenetic second half at Anfield.

Federico Chiesa’s magic and Mohamed Salah’s clincher ultimately popped Bournemouth’s balloon, but Semenyo and co more than kept up and intrigue is now mounting over what the 25-year-old could do if released into a transitional side in the slot in 2026.

He is reportedly a favorite to replace Salah next month if the Egyptian leaves the club, but he is not the only target.

Liverpool are monitoring the perfect Semenyo replacement

As reported last week, Semenyo appears to have decided he wants to join the Merseysiders either in January or next summer, with the versatile forward having a £65m release clause in his current contract, which could be triggered early next month.

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

There may be a world in which FSG misses out on the former Bristol City ace, but there are probably more left-field options on the table as well, so it would be wise not to put all your eggs in his basket anyway.

Indeed, according to Italian outlet Tuttosport, Liverpool, along with Real Madrid and Chelsea, could be ready to jump on the uncertainty surrounding Kenan Yildiz’s contract status at Juventus, as the Turkish superstar is yet to agree new terms with the Serie A side.

According to reports, the Old Lady is afforded some protection given the 20-year-old’s contract runs until 2029, but some believe increased interest in the player means negotiations need to be stepped up to improve his pay and status.

There’s no telling how much the Bianconeri would ask for if they reluctantly get their hands on the cash, but previous reports suggest they could demand a fee of around £88m.

Why Yildiz is a better player than Semenyo

Although the likes of former child prodigy Michael Owen may suggest otherwise, how a player progresses or ends his career is more important than how he begins it, and Semenyo is a clear example of tenacity and perseverance.

Previously rejected from top-flight academies, the sought-after speedster had to bide his time to make his mark at former club Bristol, during loan spells at the likes of Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland.

In fact, it took him around the last 18 months to really explode, scoring 41 goals and assisting in 94 games under South Coast manager Andoni Iraola.

Although he is a late bloomer, Yildiz’s stock appears to have already skyrocketed at just 20 years old following his impressive development over the last few seasons in Turin.

As already mentioned, the concern is whether the youngster can maintain his level, but the fact that he is already a mainstay at one of Europe’s top clubs at such a young age proves how talented he is.

For context, Semenyo was 20 when he endured a goalless loan spell in League One at the Stadium of Light.

Yildiz, described by European football writer Danny Corcoran as having “Mbappe-like abilities”, contributed 21 goals last season and has 12 goals and an assist in all competitions this season.

Again, for comparison, Semenyo recorded 10 goals and assists in the 2025/26 season and 20 goal involvements last season, albeit in fewer games.

The Athletic’s James Horncastle points out that Yildiz’s rapid rise in status is reflected in the fact that he wears the number 10 shirt at Juventus and was handed the captain’s armband this season at Real Madrid.

He is a “game-breaking” player in coach Luciano Spalletti’s view, possessing the magical qualities that have already propelled him to superstar status.

To his credit, Semenyo has struggled to become a shining light at one of the Premier League’s rising clubs, but in Yildiz, Liverpool could land a young diamond with an even higher ceiling.