Antoine Semenyo: Iraola Aims To Keep Bournemouth Forward Amid Transfer Interest

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Andoni Iraola states Bournemouth plan to keep Antoine Semenyo despite strong interest from major Premier League clubs. Reports mention a 65m buy-out clause in Semenyo’s contract signed earlier in 2025. Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are all linked. Semenyo’s performances this season place the winger among the league’s most productive attacking players.

Semenyo scores eight Premier League goals for Bournemouth this season and provides three assists. Across the 2025 league calendar year, Semenyo records 14 goals and six assists. That makes 20 direct goal contributions for Bournemouth. This tally matches Dominic Solanke’s club record from 2023, when Solanke registered 15 goals and five assists.

Only Erling Haaland, with 19 goals, and Igor Thiago, with 11, score more Premier League goals this season. Semenyo’s impact therefore sits just behind the division’s leading scorers. The contribution underlines why several leading clubs monitor Semenyo’s situation. Key attacking statistics for Bournemouth in 2023 and 2025 are shown below.

The level of Antoine Semenyo’s Bournemouth output has drawn attention from Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City. Media reports state Semenyo’s current deal contains a 65m buy-out clause. That clause is agreed earlier in 2025. Iraola accepts that transfer activity each window increases speculation. However, Iraola also stresses the situation is not fully within coaching control.

Iraola explains that Bournemouth focus on Semenyo’s mentality rather than the surrounding noise. The Bournemouth head coach says: "Semenyo right now is with us. He trained today with us I know that there is lots of noise around him. It's not my concern, my concern is it doesn't affect his performances. It is not doing, he is very committed to the team and I hope we can keep him here. [It is a] situation we cannot control, but Antoine right now is our player. Going to continue playing for us. If you ask me, I dont want to lose him, definitely dont. But every time the market opens, you never know what is going to happen."

The player also highlights form and fitness on social media during December 2025. The Twitter post from Antoine Semenyo is embedded below and reflects confidence after returning to action.

Iraola praises Antoine Semenyo’s Bournemouth form across the campaign, not just the recent spell. Iraola says: "Antoine, for me, has been performing very well, he said. He has consistently been very good since the beginning. Even when not scoring, he is still valuable for us. At the end, we dont just demand numbers. It is no secret he is a massive player for us. Yes, he is performing amazingly well. But lots of wingers from other teams are performing amazingly well. In the league, nearly all teams have a difference maker. Especially offensively. I dont know what is going to happen in the winter market."

The Bournemouth coach underlines that Semenyo brings energy, pressing and movement even when goals do not arrive. Those aspects help explain why Iraola lists Semenyo among Bournemouth’s key players. At the same time, Iraola points out that many Premier League sides rely on standout wide forwards. That context shapes any club’s transfer planning and expectations.

Iraola also reflects on how contracts shape Antoine Semenyo’s Bournemouth future. Iraola says: "When you sign a contract, I understand both parties are happy when you sign it, he said. But as a coach, I can only tell you I hope we dont lose him, because he is very important for us. But I dont know what is going to happen." These remarks underline Iraola’s limited influence on boardroom decisions.

The situation leaves Bournemouth balancing on-field needs with potential offers from larger Premier League clubs. Semenyo’s statistics across 2025 show why interest is strong and why Bournemouth aim to keep the winger. Iraola’s public stance stresses commitment from Semenyo, while accepting the winter market could still change the picture.