The Bournemouth winger is expected to join Manchester City this month, and Iraola was asked for an update ahead of the Cherries' midweek Premier League encounter
15:26, 06 Jan 2026
Antoine Semenyo in training for Bournemouth
Andoni Iraola has confirmed he expects Antoine Semenyo to leave Bournemouth this week(Image: Getty Images)
Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has revealed he believes Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham could be Antoine Semenyo’s final game for the club.
The winger, who drew widespread attention across the Premier League - including from Liverpool, is reportedly on the verge of signing for Manchester City for a fee of £65 million ($88M).
It was reported in late December that he was expected to join City, but Semenyo has since featured in Bournemouth’s Premier League encounters against Chelsea and Arsenal, with the Cherries taking a point from that double header. Iraola confirmed Semenyo will play against Spurs in midweek, but it appears likely that he will have departed before Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Newcastle.
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Speaking on Tuesday, the former Athletic Bilbao coach said: “Antoine will play tomorrow.
“I can give you my opinion from my experience; there is nothing signed with Antoine Semenyo.
“If you ask me personally what do I think, with all the knowledge, it could be his last game, but I cannot guarantee it. I understand the market, I understand the noise, but right now, there is nothing agreed, there is nothing signed.
Antoine Semenyo
Semenyo is expected to sign for Manchester City this week(Image: Getty Images)
“For me, he is our player and I hope he continues. My understanding, because I have been in other markets before, not just this club, in others, there is a chance this is his last game.”
Only Erling Haaland and Thiago Igor have bettered Semenyo’s output of 12 goal contributions this season, and a release clause in his contract alerted the Premier League’s elite sides ahead of the January window.
City’s decision to accelerate the transfer will come as a blow to Liverpool, with the Reds admirers of Semenyo, particularly his ability to operate on both flanks.
Marc Guehi has also been linked with Manchester City
Marc Guehi has also been linked with Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)
It could be one of two January blows City inflicts on Liverpool, with Pep Guardiola’s side also linked with a midseason move for Marc Guehi.
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The Crystal Palace captain, who nearly joined Liverpool on transfer deadline day in September, is a target for City, and reports have claimed that the injuries Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol suffered during last weekend’s draw against Chelsea could force the club to act.
City confirmed on Monday that Gvardiol will undergo surgery this week and Guardiola confirmed ahead of the game against Brighton that the Croat will be "out for a long time."
He added Dias could be missing for "four to six weeks," while John Stones remains absent through injury.