Bournemouth Boss Shuts Down Man City's Antoine Semenyo Transfer Rumors
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has emphasized that winger Antoine Semenyo's potential move to Manchester City isn't as finalized as media reports indicate.
A hectic period in late December saw Chelsea quickly pull out of negotiations, leaving City as the frontrunners ahead of competitors Manchester United and Liverpool in pursuing Semenyo's services.
Following Semenyo's decision to favor a switch to City, both clubs entered negotiations regarding his £65 million ($87.6 million) buyout clause, which remains active only during the initial 10 days of January's transfer window. The talks have progressed so significantly that many were surprised to witness Semenyo feature in Bournemouth's Tuesday evening 2–2 stalemate against Chelsea.
Semenyo acknowledged the away supporters in a gesture that numerous observers interpreted as a possible goodbye from the attacker, though Iraola maintained that additional matches await Semenyo.
"He represents a crucial asset for our team and will continue with us," he stated to BBC's Match of the Day. "This certainly won't be his final appearance in our colors, absolutely not."
Bournemouth 'Establish Schedule' for Semenyo Exit
Although City appears close to finalizing Semenyo's acquisition, Iraola's assertion that the Ghana striker's tenure at the club continues raises intriguing questions before what promises to be a challenging beginning to 2026 for the Cherries.
Bournemouth encounters Arsenal on Jan. 3 and, per BBC Sport, the strategy involves retaining Semenyo for that match, with club officials at the Vitality Stadium hoping he'll also participate in the following encounter against Tottenham Hotspur four days afterward.
Based on his release clause conditions, City might need to authorize Bournemouth's temporary retention of Semenyo.
Permitting Semenyo to play against Arsenal would clearly benefit City's ambitions of surpassing the Gunners for the Premier League championship, yet also presents considerable injury risks that could theoretically jeopardize the entire deal.
Liverpool has been suggested as preparing a final offer for Semenyo but hasn't yet established official communication with Bournemouth, whose negotiations have exclusively involved City to this point.