Antoine Semenyo scored a 95th-minute winner for Bournemouth against Tottenham in his final appearance for the club before his expected move to Manchester City but there could be a twist
Andoni Iraola and Antoine Semenyo embrace (Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola praised Antoine Semenyo as “a top player, but especially a top person” after he marked his final Bournemouth appearance with a stoppage-time winner against Tottenham. The Cherries boss is confident the Ghana winger will continue to flourish away from the club.
Iraola confirmed it is now “a matter of formalities” before Semenyo finalizes his £65m move to the Etihad Stadium, although Jamie Redknapp has suggested Liverpool is still in the race. Despite this, Semenyo still netted in the 95th minute to secure Bournemouth’s first victory in 12 matches before being substituted to a rapturous reception.
He then returned for an emotional lap of honour after the final whistle. Semenyo is expected to undergo a medical on Thursday.
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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.”
Semenyo scored a late winner in a 3-2 victory against Tottenham on Wednesday.(Image: 2026 Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth)
When questioned about his prospects at City, the Basque added: “I think he is an incredible player – I don’t know how they will use him.
“I think he is a player that has been improving every single season with us but even before, because he has come through lower divisions, stepping up every single season and I think he is ready to do it again.”
Speaking after the game, ex-Reds midfielder Redknapp suggested there could yet be a dramatic transfer twist.
“I’m not saying this is a Sky Sports breaking news moment, but all I’m saying is, I’ve heard tonight that it might not be the forgone conclusion that everyone’s talking about that he’s going to be having a medical at Man City,” Redknapp said on Sky Sports. “There might still be a little twist.”