Andoni Iraola, the manager of Bournemouth, has nearly confirmed that winger Antoine Semenyo is set to transfer to Manchester City. This comes after Semenyo scored a dramatic late winner against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, which Iraola described as a “fairytale ending.”
According to sources, Semenyo is expected to undergo a medical examination with Manchester City later this week, as they intend to activate his £65 million [$88 million] release clause.
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The Ghana international celebrated his 26th birthday by scoring in the fifth minute of stoppage time, securing a 3-2 victory for Bournemouth. He received a standing ovation and was cheered by home supporters at the Vitality Stadium when he was substituted shortly after his goal.
“It’s a fairytale ending,” Iraola told the BBC. “Football sometimes rewards you if you show real commitment. He’s one of the best players I’ve ever had the privilege to coach.”
Iraola expressed his admiration for Semenyo, praising him for maintaining high performance levels despite ongoing transfer talks with Manchester City.
“It’s not easy to perform under such circumstances; many players might have reacted differently,” he said at a press conference. “He never made excuses and was always ready to contribute in any way we needed.”
“We did everything we could to keep him until the very last moment, and it’s just that he leaves on a high note after receiving such a warm welcome from the supporters. He deserves this,” Iraola added. “I’m really pleased for him; he is both a top player and a wonderful person.”
On the other hand, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola declined to comment on the transfer after his team’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Brighton on Wednesday, stating, “I don’t know what will happen in the transfer window.”
Report contributed by PA and ESPN’s Rob Dawson