The quiet reason why Antoine Semenyo is shooting up Liverpool's transfer shortlist - opinion

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Liverpool’s links to Antoine Semenyo simply will not go away.The Reds’ poor start to the season means they are already planning ahead and thinking about who to buy next, whether that be in January or the summer.Semenyo keeps being rumoured with a move to Anfield, with Liverpool clearly keen on a winger after not replacing Luis Diaz.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. The 25-year-old has been in fine form this season, picking up where he left off at the end of last campaign, showing that his consistency could be key in whether the Reds make a move.However, there is another reason, a much quieter reason, why Liverpool might be considering a move, with this likely leaving Semenyo much higher up the shortlist.Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty ImagesAntoine Semenyo counts as a homegrown playerThe Premier League has many rules that need to be followed, but there is one in particular that gets harder to abide by given the globalisation of the sport.This is that all 25-man squads must have at least eight homegrown players within it, but how does a player become homegrown?Well, they must be registered by any English or Welsh club for three full seasons before they turn 21, something that can be a little bit tricky.However, despite being Ghanaian, Semenyo was born in England and was signed up for Bristol City for more than three seasons before the age of 21, meaning he fits the criteria.READ MORE: Liverpool duo Hugo Ekitike and Ibrahima Konate disappoint national media despite easy France win Do you want Ibrahima Konate to sign a new contract and stay at Liverpool?

Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images So, not only would Liverpool have a quality player, but they would have another homegrown spot filled, which means they can sign more players from abroad if they see fit later down the line.Antoine Semenyo’s versatility is key To get into an Arne Slot team, players simply need to be willing to play anywhere, and Semenyo is one of these who is.He often operates on the right, but can also play left wing, meaning he would be a great option for the Reds given they have struggled in both areas this season.He can replace Mohamed Salah while he is at AFCON too as Ghana failed to qualify, and he could also be his long-term successor too.When Cody Gakpo needs a rest, he can fill in there as well, showing that Semenyo has plenty of reason why he would be a great fit.