Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo says he is glad he stayed with the Cherries in the summer, although he is not immune to speculation about his future.
The Ghanaian international has been linked with a number of clubs, with former team-mates Dean Huisen, Milos Kerkes and Ilia Zabarny making big moves in the last transfer window.
But Semenyo, who joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023, remained at the south coast club despite the interest and has reaped the rewards with an excellent start to the season.
Ahead of the game against Manchester City on Super Sunday, the winger spoke to Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp and was asked about his future.
“I don’t really think about it,” Semenyo said. “I try to stay present as much as possible. I always watch the news and I watch it as well. It’s not that I don’t care, but I try to stay focused.
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Check out Semenyo’s best goals for Bournemouth in the Premier League
“I’m enjoying my football here. If I’m not scoring goals, it all goes away. I’m staying where I am, doing my best for the team, scoring goals and trying to see what happens in the future.”
“When they (former team-mates) all left (in the summer), there was a lot of interest and interaction at the club.
“But I knew in my head that the manager was trying to do something this year. The way the season ended last year was very good and I think we can continue, especially with the players we have brought in.”
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Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola could not confirm whether Semenyo’s new contract includes a release clause, leading to questions about whether Semenyo is now worth £100m.
“I wasn’t very confident at first, but it’s going like a house on fire. I’m glad I decided to stay here, because I’m enjoying every moment.”
Only Erling Haaland (11) has scored more goals in the Premier League this season than Semenyo (six), and the two sides face each other on Sunday.
It follows on from his 11 goals in the league last year, but the 25-year-old is hoping for more and revealed he has set goals in his diary at the start of the new campaign.
“I write my goals every year in my diary,” he added. “I always want to do better than the previous season.
“I set myself a challenge and said I wanted to push myself. I was able to help the team in different ways and compliments to the coach and players. They helped me a lot.”
“I don’t want to say too much[about the challenges this season]but my goals and assists were in double digits. Passing the ball and shooting at the right time is also key for me. That’s the main challenge.”
“Fifteen goals would be great. Last year alone I got double digits, so I’d like to think I’m a good finisher. Then this year I can give myself a chance and really hit the ground running.”
“I’ve been working on finishing a lot in the offseason. I’ve been practicing with my (individual football) coach since preseason and we’ve been working on very difficult finishes in tight angles.”
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Watch for free: Premier League match highlights between Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest
Semenyo also answered the hot question, which is his best foot? “I’m right-footed, but it’s natural for me to use both,” he explained.
“I remember when I was two or three years old, I was at the park with my parents and I loved kickabouts. My dad said, ‘You can use your left and right leg,’ and I said, ‘Yes, Dad, you can do that.’ My mom asked if that was normal, and my dad said, ‘Wait a minute.’ It’s obvious now.”
“It’s rare, but I’m blessed. You don’t know where you’re going to end up and it’s tough for a defender, but I’m grateful for that ability.”
Sunday, November 2nd 4pm
4:30pm kickoff
Heading into this weekend, Bournemouth are second in the Premier League, four points behind Arsenal. With only nine games played this season, many are wondering if they can really bring European football to the Vitality Stadium.
“Anything is possible, but the coach is telling us to react game by game because the situation can change quickly,” Semenyo said.
“Everyone gives 100 percent in every meeting and training session. I give the team props, but they stay grounded and do what they do best.”
Watch Man City v Bournemouth live on Sky Sports from 4pm on Super Sunday. Kickoff 4:30pm.
