Andoni Iraola comments on Antoine Semenyo's move to Man City after claims of late Liverpool 'twist'

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Andoni Iraola has addressed Antoine Semenyo’s impending move to Manchester City, insisting he feels pride rather than frustration despite reports of a late Liverpool “twist” in the race for the Bournemouth forward. The Cherries boss admitted City are poised to trigger Semenyo’s £65m release clause and that the winger’s appearance against Tottenham is likely to be his last for the club, but stressed that nothing was formally signed at the time of speaking.[1][2]

Iraola praised Semenyo’s professionalism amid intense speculation, highlighting how the Ghana international has continued to perform at a high level while major clubs circled. He described Semenyo as one of the best players he has coached and lauded his commitment, noting that many players in his situation might have handled the uncertainty very differently.[1][3]

The article explains that, despite interest and enquiries from Liverpool and several other top Premier League sides, City were the only club to move decisively and formally act on the release clause. Reports of a potential late Liverpool intervention did not materialise into a concrete bid, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side with a clear run at the deal.[2][4]

Iraola also reflected on the emotional side of the transfer, calling Semenyo’s likely farewell a “fairytale ending” after his dramatic late winner against Spurs and the standing ovation that followed. While accepting that Bournemouth cannot realistically stand in the way of such a move, he emphasised that the club had pushed to keep Semenyo as long as possible and that the forward leaves with the full respect and gratitude of both his manager and the supporters.[1][3]