Liverpool Face Familiar AFCON Challenge
Liverpool are preparing for another period without their star forward Mohamed Salah, who will represent Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this winter. The tournament runs from December 21 to January 18, potentially sidelining the Egyptian for up to seven crucial Liverpool matches, including difficult away fixtures against Tottenham and Arsenal.
Ghana's Shock Failure Creates Transfer Opportunity
While Liverpool brace for Salah's absence, Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo finds himself unexpectedly available throughout the entire Premier League festive period. Ghana shockingly failed to qualify for AFCON for the first time since 2004, finishing bottom of their qualifying group. This development provides Liverpool with a significant advantage in their pursuit of the 25-year-old, who scored twice against the Reds earlier this season.
Squad Dynamics Favour Semenyo Move
The Ghanaian's availability isn't the only factor making him an attractive prospect for Liverpool. Semenyo qualifies as homegrown despite being a Ghana international, having been born in Chelsea and developed through Bristol City's academy. This status is particularly valuable to Liverpool, who began the season with only five genuine first-team homegrown players and were restricted to a 24-man Premier League squad.
Furthermore, if Liverpool progress to the Champions League knockout stages, they can register up to three new players without needing to remove anyone from their existing squad. This means Semenyo could be added seamlessly in January, providing immediate cover during Salah's international duty.
The forward was originally signed by Liverpool's current sporting director Richard Hughes during his tenure at Bournemouth in January 2023, adding another layer of connection between the player and the Merseyside club. While it remains uncertain whether Liverpool will act on their reported interest, the circumstances have certainly become more favourable for a potential January move.
