Andoni Iraola responds to Antoine Semenyo January transfer speculation

Andoni Iraola has moved to shut down growing speculation surrounding Antoine Semenyo’s future, insisting the Bournemouth forward remains fully committed despite intense interest ahead of the January transfer window.

Semenyo has been heavily linked with a big-money move after another outstanding run of form, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham all credited with interest. The attacker has a £65m release clause in his contract that becomes active from 1 January.

Speaking ahead of Bournemouth’s clash with Brentford, Andoni Iraola made clear he has no desire to lose one of his most important players.

“Antoine Semenyo right now is with us. He has trained today with us, very well,” Iraola said.
“I understand that there is a lot of noise around Antoine. But my concern is that it doesn't affect him, his performances — and we are seeing that it is not affecting his performances.

“He is very committed to the team and I hope we can keep him there. If you ask me, I don't want to lose him, definitely don't want to lose him.”

While Iraola acknowledged the unpredictability of transfer windows, his stance was firm: Semenyo remains a Bournemouth player for now.

The forward’s situation is being closely monitored due to the £65m clause in his contract, which comes into effect at the start of January. That clause means Bournemouth could be powerless to stop a move if a club meets the valuation and Semenyo agrees personal terms.

Despite that, Iraola stressed there is currently no change in status.

“There are situations that we cannot control,” he admitted.
“But right now, Antoine is our player and he's going to continue playing for us.”

Semenyo has been a driving force behind AFC Bournemouth’s campaign. The 25-year-old has scored eight goals in 16 Premier League appearances and has found the net in each of the Cherries’ last two outings.

More than just goals, Iraola highlighted the forward’s consistency and all-round contribution.

“For me, he has been performing very well — not just the last two games because he has scored,” the Bournemouth boss added. “The level of consistency has been very good since the beginning of the season.

“He has had moments where he hasn't scored and has still been very valuable for us. It's no secret he is a massive player for us.”

With Bournemouth continuing to punch above expectations, retaining Semenyo could be pivotal to maintaining momentum into the second half of the season.

Whether suitors are willing to activate the release clause — and whether Semenyo is tempted by the next step — remains to be seen.

For now, Iraola’s message is clear: Bournemouth are not looking to cash in.

As January approaches, attention will intensify around whether any club is prepared to meet Semenyo’s release clause. Bournemouth’s stance is firm, but the final decision may rest with the player if the clause is triggered.

In the meantime, Iraola will focus on keeping Semenyo firing as Bournemouth look to build on a strong first half of the campaign — starting with their upcoming fixture against Brentford.

Should Bournemouth brace for a January bid — or trust that Semenyo stays put?