Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has suggested that Antoine Semenyo could be making his final appearance for the club when the Cherries face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Wednesday.
Speculation around Semenyo’s future has intensified in recent days, with Manchester City emerging as the frontrunners for his signature.
The champions are understood to be in advanced discussions with Bournemouth after indicating their willingness to meet the winger’s £65 million release clause, which must be triggered by January 10.
The 25-year-old has also attracted interest from several other leading Premier League sides following a series of impressive performances this season.
Iraola acknowledged that the uncertainty surrounding Semenyo’s future has been a major talking point in the build-up to the Spurs clash.
The Bournemouth manager revealed he sought clarity on the situation before addressing the media on Tuesday, mindful of the rapidly evolving transfer landscape.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow or the next two or three days, but I’ve asked before coming here just to tell me, otherwise I will look foolish there talking about Antoine and then [he leaves]. And that’s the situation in this moment of the day,” Iraola said.
While stressing that no deal has yet been finalised, the Spanish coach admitted he would not be surprised if Wednesday’s fixture turns out to be Semenyo’s farewell in a Bournemouth shirt.
“I think it could be the last game,” he added. “That is my personal opinion, but there is nothing agreed and nothing signed. It is my personal opinion as I understand the market and the noise but there is nothing agreed right now.
“He, right now, is our player and I hope it continues.”
Semenyo has been a key figure for Bournemouth, offering pace, power and versatility in attack, and Iraola conceded that replacing him would pose a significant challenge. He has nine Premier League goals and three assists.
The manager described the forward as “almost impossible to replace,” underlining his importance to the team’s structure and attacking threat.
