Antoine Semenyo transfer: Andoni Iraola comments speak volumes as he confirms £65m move

View Image

Andoni Iraola hailed Antoine Semenyo as “a top player, but especially a top person” as he marked his final Bournemouth appearance with an injury-time winner against Tottenham . And the Cherries boss believes the Ghana winger will get even better at Manchester City .

Iraola confirmed it is now “a matter of formalities” before Semenyo completes his £65m transfer to the Etihad Stadium. But the Londoner still scored a 95th-minute to give Bournemouth their first win in 12 games before he was subbed off to a huge ovation.

He returned for an emotional post-match lap of honour. Semenyo is expected to undergo a medical on Thursday.

Iraola said: “It’s not easy to do what he has done. Most players, a lot of players would have acted differently. He has never found excuses, he was ready to give whatever we needed. We pushed a lot to keep him until the last second here and I think it is fair that he leaves with the feeling he has had at the end, with the sub, with the reception of the supporters.

"I think he has earned all this. I am very happy for him because we know he is a top player but especially a top person.

“I am very happy for him personally because I think he deserves, after all he has done for us, to finish like this. But it is true, he is a big miss for us, a player you cannot replace him. It has been a difficult week for us because we have also lost Justin (Kluivert) with an injury.

"To lose in the same week Justin and Antoine for a club like us is a big thing. I know the club is working and we will try to sign new players but it is very difficult to replace this level of player.”

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.