Andoni Iraola is not worried about Antoine Semenyo's potential departure from Bournemouth in January. Reports during the international window suggested Semenyo, who has netted six Premier League goals
this season, has a £65 million release clause. Despite signing a five-year contract with the Cherries in July, his strong start to the 2025-26 season has attracted interest.
Semenyo's nine goal involvements in the Premier League are second only to Manchester City's Erling Haaland, who boasts 15. Clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Arsenal are reportedly interested in Semenyo. However, Iraola remains calm about the forward's future. "We are in November. Antoine [Semenyo] is our player, he will continue to be our player," Iraola told reporters.
Before the October international break, only Haaland had more direct goal involvements than Semenyo. He was averaging 2.4 shots and 1.4 chances created per game. Since then, his performance has dipped with no goals or assists in four league games. His averages have dropped to 1.5 shots and 0.3 chances created per game.
Bournemouth's form has also declined alongside Semenyo's dip in performance, leaving them just one point behind fourth-placed Sunderland in the Premier League table. The Cherries face West Ham at Vitality Stadium this weekend without their top scorer due to an ankle issue.
Justin Kluivert is sidelined with an adductor strain while Scotland midfielder Ben Gannon-Doak might need surgery for hamstring damage. "Antoine is different," Iraola explained regarding Semenyo's injury status. "Justin [Kluivert] and Ben [Gannon-Doak] have muscle injuries and Antoine's was not something new that happened when he was there. "
Iraola added that Semenyo had been dealing with an ankle injury prior to this situation. "I cannot tell you if he's going to play tomorrow or not," he said. "We will have to see. " The team must assess late arrivals' readiness for the upcoming match against West Ham.
Iraola emphasised that discussions about transfers will occur in January if necessary but currently focuses on the present squad's needs and challenges.
