Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has publicly criticized the club’s handling of Mohamed Salah, urging the Reds to secure a replacement for the Egyptian star amid growing uncertainty over his future.
Salah’s role at Liverpool has become increasingly uncertain, with the forward losing his regular starting spot under manager Arne Slot and now often coming off the bench.
The situation intensified after Salah publicly expressed frustration over being left out of Liverpool’s recent draw against Leeds United.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Pennant suggested Liverpool missed an opportunity to sign Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, who is reportedly set to join Manchester City.
The former England international believes Semenyo could have been the ideal long-term successor to Salah.
“As a Liverpool fan, I am very disappointed by Alexander Isak’s injury, which could keep him out for the whole season. With Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations and our prior knowledge of our relationship with him, will he leave?” he asked.
“So, for £65 million in this day and age, a player of Antoine Semenyo’s calibre is arguably a bargain.
“It would be really stupid for Liverpool not to be in the negotiations or to say we are also interested, and then to contact Bournemouth based on what I mentioned.
“Semenyo could be a long-term replacement for Salah, so when Salah decides to leave, whether in January or at the end of the season, you will have a player who has proven himself in the Premier League, and that is very important.”
Pennant concluded, “We have seen players come to this league and not succeed, but we know Simeone is capable of doing so.”
