Andoni Iraola had his say on the Antoine Semenyo situation, with the Bournemouth attacker heavily linked with an immediate switch to Manchester City.
Antoine Semenyo starting for Bournemouth during their loss at the weekend against Brentford may have come as a shock to many amid speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City. The presence of a £65 million release clause in his contract, which was revealed a few weeks ago, has opened up the possibility of an immediate departure for the Ghanaian attacker.
A host of clubs have registered an interest, including the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United, as well as Liverpool. The straightforward release clause makes things simpler in the context of a transfer, although the clause must be triggered within the first ten days of the January window.
Manchester City have accelerated a move for the attacker, with the club now favourites to sign him ahead of the next few days. Semenyo wants the move sealed by January 1, which may seem a bit unrealistic, although not entirely impossible, should Pep Guardiola’s side act fast in the market with their negotiations with Bournemouth.
Chelsea pulled out of the race but were a serious contender for a brief period, as Semenyo prefers a switch to Manchester City as things stand. Talks are expected to accelerate as they might already be at an advanced level at the moment in the background.
Semenyo has desires to play for a team challenging for major honours as well as playing in the Champions League. The Manchester City-linked star could get his wish if he makes the switch to the Etihad, as the game against Brentford might have been his last or one of the final ones in a Bournemouth shirt.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was asked about the situation with the Manchester City-linked star following the loss to Brentford. The Spaniard insisted he would love to keep hold of Semenyo, but conceded things are beyond his control, as his comments that appeared on Sky Sports seem to concede defeat in any effort to keep hold of Semenyo.
Iraola said, “The situation is quite clear. Antoine is a massive player for us.
“Even in games like today, where he probably hasn’t played well, he’s always a threat to score, to assist. He creates goal-scoring opportunities, and he also adds a lot of physicality to our game.
“Obviously, I don’t want to lose him. This is quite clear, but there are some situations that are not under my control.
“He will be ready to play again in three days and the next one. I hope he plays a lot more with us.
“The more games Antoine can play for us… If he can play for years with us, much better. If it cannot be years, months. The more time he plays with us, the better for us.”
The release clause takes away any power that Bournemouth have should any interested team trigger it. Manchester City are seen as the most viable contenders, with Liverpool still lurking in the background should a small window of opportunity open up.
Losing Semenyo in the middle of the season will be a major blow for Bournemouth, although they must use the money and act accordingly in the market to seek a viable replacement for the Ghanaian. For now, the Manchester City-linked star seems to be headed to the Etihad, as he could potentially make Pep Guardiola’s side the favourites for the Premier League title this season.