Andoni Iraola has once again moved to calm speculation around Antoine Semenyo’s future, insisting the forward will still feature for Bournemouth despite increasing talk of a January transfer to Manchester City.
Reports linking the 25-year-old with a move away from the Vitality Stadium have gathered pace in recent days, but Iraola has made it clear that no farewell has been agreed and no goodbye is imminent.
The Ghana international has been a key figure in Bournemouth’s attacking set-up this season, offering pace, power and direct running from wide areas and through the middle.
That importance was underlined again on Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge, where Bournemouth earned a 2-2 draw against Chelsea. Semenyo provided one assist in a performance that once more highlighted his growing influence in the Premier League.
Yet the spotlight quickly shifted away from his contribution on the pitch to what might come next. It has been previously reported that Manchester City are in advanced discussions over a potential move early in the January transfer window.
Those reports have been fuelled by the existence of a release clause that could allow Semenyo to leave Bournemouth before mid-January, should certain conditions be met.
Despite the noise, Iraola was firm in his message after the match in west London. Speaking to reporters, he dismissed the idea that the Chelsea game marked the end of Semenyo’s time with the club.
“No, not in any moment we thought he was not going to play,” Iraola said after the match.
“I said it here, to your colleagues outside. It was not his last game with us.”
Those comments were delivered against a backdrop of visible emotion at full-time. After the final whistle at Stamford Bridge, Semenyo was seen acknowledging Bournemouth supporters in the away end, with gestures that some interpreted as a possible farewell.
In the age of constant transfer updates and social media scrutiny, such moments are often quickly magnified.
Iraola, however, played down the significance of those scenes and reiterated his expectation that Semenyo will continue to feature in the coming fixtures.
Bournemouth face league leaders Arsenal at home on 3 January, a match that arrives just days after the Chelsea draw and one that will test the depth and resilience of Iraola’s squad.
The Spaniard was clear that Semenyo remains central to his thinking for that contest, both in terms of fitness and tactical importance.
“I don’t know what is going to happen but he will definitely play [against Arsenal],” the manager said post-match. “This is not his last game.
“He needs to recover because we play Arsenal at home in another three days, against top of the league, he will be an important player for us, yes.”
Those words reflect not only Iraola’s immediate plans but also the uncertainty that often surrounds the January window.
Managers are frequently required to balance preparation for upcoming matches with the reality of transfer negotiations happening behind the scenes. In this case, Iraola appears keen to keep the focus on performances and results, rather than speculation.
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Semenyo’s form has made him one of Bournemouth’s standout players this season. His ability to stretch defences, press from the front and contribute in the final third has fitted neatly into Iraola’s high-energy approach.
Losing such a player midway through the campaign would represent a significant challenge, particularly as Bournemouth aim to maintain momentum in a competitive league.
While Iraola’s comments offer reassurance to supporters in the short term, the broader situation remains fluid. Further discussions with Semenyo’s representatives are planned, and Bournemouth are aware of Manchester City’s intention to trigger his release clause.
That clause, reported to be set at £65 million, allows Semenyo to leave Bournemouth before 10 January if met in full.
Iraola’s stance suggests that, until something concrete changes, Semenyo will be treated like any other member of the squad.
That approach is consistent with the manager’s handling of previous transfer situations, where he has prioritised clarity within the dressing room and continuity on the pitch.
