Former Liverpool director identified Semenyo as ready-made replacement for Salah before Manchester City move

Ghana Black Stars forward Antoine Semenyo could have ended up playing for Liverpool instead of Manchester City after the Reds reportedly considered signing him as a replacement for Mohamed Salah.

Semenyo has enjoyed an impressive start to life at Manchester City since joining the Premier League giants from AFC Bournemouth during the January transfer window.

The Black Stars attacker quickly established himself as an important player under then manager Pep Guardiola, playing a key role in their domestic cup successes.

Since joining the Sky Blues, Semenyo has helped the club win both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, scoring the decisive goal in the FA Cup final to hand the Citizens the prestigious trophy.

However, the Black Stars forward’s career could have taken a completely different direction.

According to The Athletic, former Liverpool Director of Football Richard Hughes was keen about signing Semenyo to Anfield during his time at the club.

Hughes, who previously worked with Semenyo during his time as Technical Director at Bournemouth, reportedly identified the Ghanaian as the ideal replacement for Salah, who was considering leaving Liverpool despite having signed a new two-year contract.

The Reds immediate-paste director Hughes pushed Liverpool’s hierarchy to make a £60 million move for Semenyo during the January transfer window, but the move hit a snag.

“Hughes urged the Liverpool hierarchy to sign him for £60million last January, regarding him as a ready-made replacement for Salah, who had indicated a willingness to leave just months into a new two-year contract.”

However, uncertainty surrounding Salah’s future meant Liverpool were unable to make significant progress in their pursuit of a replacement.

“Salah’s future was not resolved until March, by which time Semenyo had joined Manchester City and hit the ground running,” another section of The Athletic’s report stated.

By the time Liverpool had clarity over Salah’s situation, Semenyo had already completed his move to the Etihad Stadium and was beginning to make his mark under Guardiola.

The Ghanaian forward’s performances for City have since justified the interest shown in him by Liverpool and Hughes.

Semenyo’s combination of pace, strength, direct running and goalscoring ability has made him one of the standout African players in the Premier League. His contributions during the second half of the 2025/26 campaign were particularly significant as Manchester City ended the season with two major domestic trophies.

His winning goal in the FA Cup final further elevated his status among the club’s supporters and ensured his first few months at the Etihad would be remembered as a highly successful period.

Semenyo, however, is now firmly established at Manchester City and has continued to enhance his reputation following his outstanding start at the club.

The Black Stars attacker was also recognised for his excellent performances after being named in the PFA Team of the Year.

For Ghanaian football fans, Semenyo’s rapid rise at one of Europe’s biggest clubs represents another significant achievement, with the forward continuing to establish himself among the leading Ghanaian players currently competing at the highest level of European football.

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