Iraola Firm as Manchester City Monitor Semenyo Amid Bournemouth Struggles

Manchester City’s potential January move for Antoine Semenyo faces early resistance after Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola made it clear he wants to keep his standout forward for as long as possible, even as transfer speculation gathers pace.

The Ghana international was again Bournemouth’s brightest performer despite a damaging 4–1 defeat away to Brentford on Saturday, scoring his ninth goal of the season in a result that extended the Cherries’ winless run to nine matches.

Kevin Schade’s hat trick ultimately decided the contest, but Semenyo briefly offered hope with a sharp close-range finish that underlined his growing importance to Iraola’s side. It was another reminder of his consistency during a difficult campaign for Bournemouth.

Interest in Semenyo has intensified ahead of the January transfer window, with Manchester City among several elite clubs monitoring his situation. Reports suggest a £65 million release clause is set to become active, placing Bournemouth under significant pressure as the new year approaches.

For Iraola, however, the priority remains the immediate fixtures rather than potential exits. The Spanish coach has repeatedly stressed that Semenyo remains central to his plans and that losing him mid-season would be a major blow.

The atmosphere at the Gtech Community Stadium reflected Bournemouth’s fragile confidence. Brentford started with intensity, dominating early possession and forcing mistakes, while Bournemouth relied heavily on Semenyo’s direct running to relieve pressure and link their attacking phases.

Key moments quickly swung the game away from the visitors. Schade opened the scoring early before a costly own goal from goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic left Bournemouth chasing the match before halftime. Brentford’s pace and movement continued to stretch the Cherries’ back line.

Semenyo’s goal early in the second half briefly shifted momentum, as Bournemouth pushed higher and looked for quick transitions. Any hopes of a comeback were short-lived, though, as Schade struck again to restore a comfortable cushion for the hosts before completing his treble later on.

The second half saw Bournemouth attempt to adjust tactically, but defensive lapses and missed chances prevented any sustained pressure. Semenyo remained a constant threat, even as the game slipped further out of reach.

The defeat reinforced how heavily Bournemouth now depends on Semenyo’s output during a turbulent period. While results have faltered, his performances have continued to stand out, explaining the growing interest from clubs at the top of the Premier League.

With Chelsea next on the horizon and the transfer window looming, Bournemouth faces a critical stretch. For now, Iraola is focused on keeping his key man on the pitch, knowing that Semenyo’s presence could be vital in stabilizing the season before bigger decisions arrive.