Andoni Iraola makes Antoine Semenyo prediction after Liverpool transfer 'twist' claim

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Andoni Iraola has acknowledged that Antoine Semenyo’s transfer to Manchester City is likely to go through, but the Bournemouth head coach insists nothing is signed yet and warned against assuming the saga is completely over. Speaking before Bournemouth’s game against Tottenham, Iraola confirmed Semenyo would play and admitted there is “a chance it is his last game,” while stressing that, until the paperwork is complete, the forward remains his player.

The article explains that City have moved to activate Semenyo’s £65m release clause, positioning Pep Guardiola’s side at the front of the queue after sustained interest from several Premier League rivals, including Liverpool. While reports have suggested that Semenyo is keen to work under Guardiola, Liverpool have been mentioned as a possible late contender, with Jamie Redknapp hinting at a potential “twist” and suggesting the Anfield club could still be “in the equation.” That has generated speculation over whether Liverpool might hijack the deal at the eleventh hour, particularly with long‑term planning needed in their forward line.

Iraola, however, focused on the immediate reality: Semenyo is still available for selection and fully committed to Bournemouth until any agreement is formally concluded. He praised the forward’s importance to the team and indicated that the club must be prepared for both outcomes — either retaining a key attacker or quickly sourcing a replacement should the move be finalized.

The piece ultimately frames the situation as a high‑stakes transfer race led by Manchester City, with Liverpool cast as an outside threat capable of altering the narrative late on. Iraola’s comments are presented as both a pragmatic acceptance that Bournemouth could lose one of their standout performers and a reminder that, despite growing noise around City and talk of a Liverpool twist, the deal remains incomplete until officially confirmed.