Semenyo Poised to Depart Bournemouth as Manchester City Deal Nears Completion

Bournemouth's in-form winger Antoine Semenyo appears destined for the exit door this week, with manager Andoni Iraola effectively confirming the Ghana international will likely don the claret and blue one last time when Spurs visit the Vitality Stadium on Wednesday night.

The 26-year-old has been among the Premier League's standout performers this season, and a January-only release clause worth £65m has triggered a feeding frenzy among the division's heavyweights. Though Liverpool were initially thought to be front-runners for his signature, Manchester City has now emerged as overwhelming favourites to land the coveted talent.

At his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Iraola acknowledged the writing on the wall whilst maintaining a degree of diplomatic caution. "Antoine will play tomorrow, yes," the Bournemouth boss explained. "There is nothing signed with Antoine Semenyo. If you ask me personally what I think, with all the noise, I think it could be the last game, but I cannot guarantee it."

He continued: "I understand the market, I understand the noise but right now there is nothing agreed, nothing signed, so for me he is our player and I hope he continues. But my understanding, because I have been in the transfer market before with this club and others, there is a chance it is his last game also, yes."

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano wasted no time in cutting through the speculation, declaring the move to the Etihad already wrapped up. "Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City is done," Romano stated on his YouTube channel. "The medical has been booked and everything is ready. I told you there were no issues and no doubts. Semenyo will play for Manchester City and the here we go is coming. He will complete the move after playing his final game for Bournemouth, and then he will start working under Pep Guardiola."

Semenyo's path to the Premier League began at Bristol City's academy, where he progressed through the ranks before making his senior debut in 2018. A trio of loan moves—to Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland—preceded his establishment as a first-team fixture for the Robins during the 2020-21 campaign.

Bournemouth secured his services in January 2022 for a £10m fee, with Bristol City retaining a 20% sell-on clause of any profit. Should the £65m deal materialise, the Championship club stands to pocket approximately £11m from the transaction.