Liverpool is reportedly preparing for changes in its forward line as part of a broader squad rejuvenation effort, with recent reports suggesting Mo Salah may leave Anfield next summer.
As things currently stand, no agreement has been reached to extend his contract, leaving him set to become a free agent. Meanwhile, Federico Chiesa’s time at Liverpool has not gone as hoped, with injury concerns hindering his impact on the team and fueling rumors of a potential return to Italy.
In light of these developments, Liverpool’s recruitment team has reportedly begun scouting options to reinforce their attack. According to a report from Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo are two players being considered by Liverpool as potential additions. The focus appears to be on players who can bring versatility to the forward line, as both Mbeumo and Semenyo have shown the capability to adapt across multiple attacking roles, a key characteristic associated with Salah’s role in the squad.
Michael Edwards, FSG’s head of football operations, and Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes are reportedly leading the evaluation process. Their goal is to identify players who could help strengthen the squad in the event of high-profile departures or evolving team needs. In this case, Mbeumo and Semenyo have emerged as promising prospects due to their ability to play across the forward line, a crucial aspect for any potential Salah successor.
Bryan Mbeumo, in particular, has made an outstanding start to the Premier League season. The Brentford forward has already notched eight league goals, placing him as the second-highest scorer behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. Mbeumo’s consistent performances, including five goals in his last five matches and a recent double against Ipswich in a thrilling 4-3 victory, have garnered attention and underscored his scoring ability at the top level. His impressive stats suggest he could be a strong addition to Liverpool’s attack, despite not currently competing in European competitions.
Antoine Semenyo, meanwhile, has also shown promise for Bournemouth. Although he has scored three times in the league this season, only one of those goals came after August. Semenyo did manage to find the net against Liverpool recently, although the goal was disallowed for offside. Still, his physicality and adaptability make him an intriguing option for a club like Liverpool, which values versatility in its front line.
Liverpool’s recent history suggests they are open to recruiting talent from outside the traditional European elite, with successful past signings like Diogo Jota from Wolves and Sadio Mane from Southampton. Both players arrived from mid-table clubs and went on to make substantial contributions to Liverpool’s success, proving that elite talent can be found outside the Champions League spotlight.
While there remains hope among Liverpool fans that Salah will ultimately agree to a contract extension and stay at the club, the Reds appear prepared for a contingency. Mbeumo and Semenyo are just two of the players on Liverpool’s radar as potential solutions should Salah depart. The proactive approach signals Liverpool’s intent to remain competitive at the highest level, regardless of any changes that may arise.
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