Liverpool plan to sign MASSIVE Ben Doak upgrade
Liverpool reportedly like the look of Antoine Semenyo and the winger could be a massive upgrade for them over Ben Doak.
Ben Doak is a very talented winger but it appears he's not Liverpool's successor to Mo Salah. In fact, it seems he won't be their backup to Salah going forward.
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The Scot has been thriving this season for Middlesbrough while out on loan. That naturally brought about suggestions that Liverpool could use Doak from next season.
There is no natural backup or replacement for Salah, after all. Doak is well-positioned to be just that.
Only, all reports suggest Liverpool are open to selling him in this transfer window. It would take a fairly large bid for that to happen but the interest is apparently there.
So why would Liverpool move on? Well, it seems they may have their eyes on an upgrade - someone capable of being the Salah backup and play a squad role at the club.
Liverpool like Antoine Semenyo
The Northern Echo claims Liverpool are ready to recall Doak from his loan and sell to Bournemouth. It would be part of a deal that sends Semenyo the other way, giving the Reds their new winger.
So why is that worth it? Well, Semenyo might not have the untapped potential that Doak boasts but he's a much more solid option right now.
For one, Semenyo has plenty of Premier League experience and the numbers show he's an effective option. Just this season, there have been five goals and two assists.
Seven big chances created (per Football Critic), too - a figure that's already an improvement on last season.
Of course, the underlying stuff - duels won, effective passes etc. - all look good. But what Semenyo can bring above all is an ability to cover both flanks to a high level.
Doak cannot bring that and it limits his possible minutes. The problem there is that without those minutes, he may never develop to fulfil his potential - or even get anywhere near it.
Liverpool would be taking the safe option with Semenyo. He's ready to play right now, he's more versatile and there's essentially no risk.
And the club certainly loves deals like that.
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