Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Antoine Semenyo is set to complete a £65 million transfer to Manchester City, following a fairytale final appearance for the Cherries. The Ghanaian winger wrote himself into club folklore by scoring a dramatic 95th-minute winner against Tottenham Hotspur before his impending departure.
A Fitting Farewell on the South Coast
In what is almost certain to be his last act in a Bournemouth shirt, Semenyo struck in injury time to secure a vital 1-0 victory, ending his side's run of 12 games without a win. The Londoner was immediately substituted to a rapturous standing ovation from the Vitality Stadium crowd and later took part in an emotional lap of honour. Iraola stated the move is now "a matter of formalities", with the player expected to undergo his medical at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.
Iraola's Heartfelt Tribute to a "Top Person"
The Basque coach paid a glowing tribute to the departing star, emphasising his character as much as his footballing ability. "It’s not easy to do what he has done," Iraola said. "Most players, a lot of players would have acted differently. He has never found excuses, he was ready to give whatever we needed." He hailed Semenyo as "a top player, but especially a top person" and expressed his delight that the forward could leave on such a high note, having earned the adoration of the supporters.
A Significant Double Blow for Bournemouth
Iraola admitted the loss of Semenyo, coupled with an injury to Justin Kluivert in the same week, represents a major challenge for a club of Bournemouth's stature. "To lose in the same week Justin and Antoine for a club like us is a big thing," he conceded. While acknowledging the club is working on new signings, he stressed that replacing a player of Semenyo's calibre is "very difficult." The manager backed his former charge to succeed at the highest level, citing the winger's remarkable trajectory from the lower divisions. "He is a player that has been improving every single season... and I think he is ready to do it again," Iraola added, predicting a bright future for Semenyo at Manchester City.
