Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has made it clear that his priority remains keeping Antoine Semenyo at the club for as long as circumstances allow, even as interest from Manchester City intensifies ahead of the January transfer window.
The Ghana international has emerged as one of Bournemouth’s most influential players this season, combining pace, power and a growing end product in the final third.
Those qualities have not gone unnoticed, and Manchester City plan to sign Antonie Semenyo as they push forward with plans to strengthen Pep Guardiola’s attacking options.
While nothing has been officially confirmed, discussions behind the scenes have gathered pace in recent days.
City are believed to be actively engaging both Bournemouth and the player’s representatives as they explore the possibility of a January move to the Etihad Stadium.
For Bournemouth, the situation is one that brings both recognition of Semenyo’s rise and the challenge of potentially losing a key figure at a critical point in the campaign.
Despite the growing speculation, Iraola has struck a calm but realistic tone.
Speaking after Bournemouth’s heavy 4-1 defeat to Brentford, the Spanish coach acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Semenyo’s future while underlining just how important the forward remains to his plans in the short term.
City interest grows as Bournemouth weigh their options
The report that Manchester City plan to sign Antonie Semenyo has been widely circulated, with Guardiola keen to add fresh energy and directness to his forward line.
Semenyo, capable of operating across the front three, fits the profile of a player who can offer both depth and versatility.
Sources suggest that City are accelerating their efforts, conscious of the need to move early in the January window. The club’s hierarchy is thought to be keen on clarity, both for their own squad planning and to avoid prolonged uncertainty later in the month.
Semenyo himself is reported to be open to the move, with an understanding that a transfer to the reigning champions would represent a major step forward in his career.
From Bournemouth’s point of view, the situation is more complex. Semenyo has been central to their attacking play, contributing goals, assists and constant pressure on opposition defences.
Losing him mid-season would be a significant blow, particularly with a demanding run of fixtures ahead.
The club are understood to be preparing for the possibility that Semenyo’s release clause could be activated.
However, there is also a clear desire to retain him for as long as possible, especially given the importance of upcoming league matches as Bournemouth look to maintain momentum and secure their Premier League status.
“If he can play years for us, it’s much better! If it cannot be years, it can be months. If he can only play weeks, it is weeks but the more time he plays with us, the better for us,” Iraola explained.
The statement captured both hope and acceptance. For a club like Bournemouth, holding on to top performers is always a challenge, particularly when elite sides come calling.
Iraola’s focus, however, remains firmly on the present rather than the uncertainty of what January may bring.
Iraola’s message as Semenyo remains central to plans
Beyond the transfer speculation, Iraola was keen to stress Semenyo’s importance on the pitch, even on days when results do not go Bournemouth’s way.
Against Brentford, the Cherries struggled collectively, yet the head coach pointed out that Semenyo continues to pose a threat regardless of form or opposition.
“Antoine’s situation is quite clear. Antoine is a massive player for us and even in games like today where probably he hasn’t played well, he is always a threat to score and assist,” Iraola said.
Those words underline why Manchester City plan to sign Antonie Semenyo. His ability to influence matches, even when not at his best, is a quality prized at the highest level.
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His physical presence allows Bournemouth to stretch defences, while his work rate and willingness to track back fit well with Iraola’s demands.
“Obviously I don’t want to lose him. This is quite clear, but there are some situations that are not under my control.
“He will be available to play again in three days [versus Chelsea] and then the next one and I hope he plays a lot more with us.”
The message is straightforward: while transfer talk continues, Semenyo remains a Bournemouth player and an integral part of the squad.
Iraola’s hope is that, regardless of what happens in the coming weeks, the forward can continue to contribute on the pitch and help the team navigate a demanding period.
